Investıgatıon in to psychometric properties of self stigma scale by seeking psychological help in adolescent students

Abstract

BackgroundStigmatization and help seeking are the one of the most important concepts of preventive interventions and mental health promotion in adolescent. MethodsThis study is in descriptive, correlational and methodological design. The sample of the study consisted of 250 volunteer students studying in a total of six schools. The Self Stigma Scale in Seeking Psychological Help was used as a data collection tool. Data were evaluated with content validity index based on expert opinion, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. FindingsFactor loadings explained 52% of the total variance in the two sub-dimensions. The KMO value was determined as 0.76 and the sample was found to be sufficient. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the entire scale was determined as.74. The alpha values of the sub-dimensions were determined as 0.76 and 0.74, respectively. In both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, all factor loads are >0.30. In confirmatory factor analysis, all fit indices were found to be >0.80 and the RMSEA value was determined as 0.067. ConclusionsThe results of the study revealed that it is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to evaluate the level of self-stigma in seeking psychological help in adolescents. Practice implications: It is recommended that scale will be a guide in protective and preventive studies for researchers and school nurses working with students.