One-Year Test-Retest Reliability of the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS)

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing public health problem among adolescents and young adults. The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) is a self-report measure designed to assess NSSI behaviors and functions. The current study examines the one-year test-retest reliability of the ISAS in a sample of young adult self-injurers. Results indicate that the ISAS behavioral and functional scales demonstrate good stability over one year. For the behavioral scales, test-retest correlations ranged from .52 (biting) to .83 (burning), with a median of .68. For the functional scales, test-retest correlations were .60 for the superordinate intrapersonal functions scale and .82 for the superordinate interpersonal functions scale. Regarding individual functions, test-retest correlations ranged from .35 (affect regulation) to .89 (peer bonding), with a median of .59. Findings suggest the ISAS has good test-retest reliability and contributes to the growing literature on the psychometric properties of the ISAS.