ATTITUDES TOWARD LIFE AND DEATH AMONG CHINESE ADOLESCENTS: THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE MULTI-ATTITUDE SUICIDE TENDENCY SCALE

Abstract

The psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale were examined in a sample of 415 Chinese adolescents. Confirmatory factor analyses of the present data disconfirmed the original 4-factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis was then conducted to explore the underlying structure of the data set. A revised 4-factor structure, with a number of differences in item factor loadings, was obtained for the present sample. The scale also demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent validity with the Depression Self-Rating Scale and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire. Distinct profiles of the scale were shown on non-suicidals, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Discrepant findings from previous work were discussed.

Notes

Note. CMAST = Chinese version of multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale; PCA = Principal components analysis; EFA = Exploratory factor analysis; PC = Pattern coefficient; λ = Eigenvalue; % = Percentage of variance explained; r_tot = Item-total correlation.

Note. CMAST = Chinese version of Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendeng Scale; PCA = Principal components analysis; PC = Pattern coefficient; λ = Eigen value; % = Percentage of variance explained; r_tot = Item-total correlation.

Note. RS = Release from Suffering; RD = Repulsion by Death; AL = Attraction to Life; HW = Hopelessness and Withdrawal; DSI = Dysphoria and Social Isolation; PA = Positive Affect; SBQ = Suicide Behavior Questionnaire.

*p < .01.

**p < .05.

Note. CMAST = Chinese Version of Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale; RS = Release from Suffering; RD = Repulsion by Death; AL = Attraction to Life; HW = Hopelessness and Withdrawal; DSI = Dysphoria and Social Isolation; PA = Positive Affect.

*p < .001.

**p < .05.