title: Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Life Attitude Schedule (LAS-C) in a sample of Taiwanese adolescents.
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).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional and descriptive design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from high schools in the city of Taipei in northern Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan. hsiuju@tmu.edu.tw
authors.forename: Hsiu-Ju
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chiung-Jane
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Tzen Wen
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Andrew Tai Ann
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Kuan-Chia
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Jiin-Ru
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rong
authors.forename: Hsin-Chien
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001290:Attitude; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics; D013624:Taiwan