5 - (SYM 9) the Development and Validation of the Self-dehumanization Scale, Cross-cultural Adaptability, and Its Relationship to Suicidal Ideation Across Three Samples

Self-dehumanization, the internalized denial of the qualities deemed essential to being human, and neighboring constructs of self-hate and discrimination are evidenced to impact mental health. Despite self-dehumanization’s potential clinical relevance, no validated and generalizable self-report measure of self-dehumanization exists (c.f. Fontesse et al., 2021). Thus, the Self-Dehumanization Scale (SDS) was designed, and its structure and psychometric properties examined across three samples. Additionally, we examined the cross-cultural invariance of the SDS and hierarchical multiple regression analyses to test its associations to suicidal thoughts and intent.

 
Factor structure of the SDS was examined in three samples: (1) an undergraduate sample (n = 400; Study 1); (2) a diverse undergraduate sample (i.e., reported at least one minoritized identity; n = 240; Study 2); and (3) a community sample with clinical relevance (i.e., endorsement of prior mental health treatment; n = 388; Study 3). Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MGCFA) were utilized. Discriminant and convergent validity of the SDS was shown against the Self-Hate Scale (SHS), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-B) (Study 1; Study 3) and the Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions (REMS), and Heterosexist Harassment, Rejection, and Discrimination Scale (HHRS; Study 2). Finally, multiple hierarchical regression tested the association of the SDS to suicidal ideation and intent, above and beyond SHS, SES, DES-B, and interpersonal variables (perceived burdensomeness (INQ-PB) and thwarted belonging (INQ-TB); Study 1; Study 3). Study 2 modeled the association of SDS to suicidal ideation and intent, above and beyond the REMS, HHRS, INQ-PB, and INQ-TB.

All models supported an 8-item SDS, with a two-factor solution (animalistic and mechanistic). The SDS showed discriminant and convergent validity. Invariance testing supported metric (Δχ²=219.95, Δdf=69, p=.12) invariance of SDS across all samples. Additionally, regression analyses provided mixed evidence regarding the SDS’s association to suicidal ideation and intent, above and beyond the control variables. The mechanistic factor was consistently more related to aspects of suicidality than the animalistic factor.

Findings support the psychometric properties of the SDS across diverse samples and provide insight into its relationship to suicidal ideation and intent. Future research should consider inclusion of the SDS in assessment and treatment of psychopathology.