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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: This study examines the factor structure and utility of the K6 psychological distress scale for adults with suicidal ideation.
METHOD: The sample, drawn from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, consists of 2,098 adults age 18 years or older who reported suicidal ideation. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to test the single-factor (psychological distress), 2-factor (depression and anxiety), and second-order 2-factor models. Structural equational modeling (SEM) was used to test whether the K6 scores have concurrent validity with suicidal behaviors.
RESULTS: The results from the CFA indicate the single-factor model, the 2-factor model, and the second-order 2-factor model all fit the data well, with all items loading significantly, as expected. However, the results from the SEM analyses suggest that only the singlefactor model has concurrent validity for suicide plan and attempt. Chi- square analysis suggests the K6 cutoff point for serious psychological distress is associated with increased probability of suicidal behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the K6 has utility as a short screening measure to assess the level of psychological distress and the risk of suicidal behaviors of adults with suicidal ideation. The K6 can be used as a single-factor measure of psychological distress among adults with suicidal ideation in clinical studies. Social workers can use the K6 as a brief screening tool for the level of psychological distress experienced by adults with suicidal ideation to inform further suicide risk assessment. © 2016 by the Society for Social Work and Research. All rights reserved.
Language: en |