Abstract
Background Although prior research has proposed that several risk factors are conceptually and positively related to suicidal behavior, researchers have also suggested that suicide may be multifaceted. The Life Attitude Schedule (LAS) measures a broad range of suicide-related behaviors, including life-enhancing and life-threatening behaviors. Objective This study aimed to translate the LAS into Chinese and evaluate the psychometric properties of the new version (LAS-C). Design A cross-sectional and descriptive design was used. Setting Data were collected from high schools in the city of Taipei in northern Taiwan. Participants A convenience sample of 1492 high school students was recruited from five high schools in Taipei. Methods We used the Multi-Health Systems (MHS) translation policy to guide the translation process. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency (represented by Cronbach's α coefficients) and test–retest (represented by intraclass correlation). Validity was demonstrated by content, convergent, divergent, concurrent, and contrast group comparison. Confirmatory factor analysis was further used to examine the theoretical model and to support construct validity. Results The Cronbach's α coefficient for the whole scale of the LAS-C and its subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.91. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.76 to 0.89 on the whole scale and its subscales, and were all statistically significant, at least at the p < 0.05 level, indicating good stability over a three-week period. Validity was supported by a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.99, convergent, divergent, current, and contrast group comparison validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical model, further providing solid evidence of construct validity. Conclusions The LAS-C has proper psychometric properties. Future studies must be conducted to shorten the items to form a briefer version.
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