title: Psychometric assessment of beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) in general population in Tehran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) is a widely used instrument to assess suicidality. However, there is only limited information about the psychometric characteristics of BSSI in the Persian language. In this study, we investigated the validity, reliability and factor structure of the BSSI in the general population of Tehran.
  
  
  METHODS
  Initially, 900 questionnaire packages were distributed to the general population of Tehran (response rate: 59 percent), using cluster random sampling method. The questionnaire package consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Persian translation of the BSSI, Symptom checklist-90- Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Hopelessness Inventory (BHI) and Philips Social Support Appraisal Scale. Internal consistency and correlations of the BSSI scores with other constructs were investigated. Factor analysis was done using principal component method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the screening part and the whole scale were satisfactory (>0.8). The scores of both the screening part and the total scale in individuals who experienced suicidal attempt were higher than others. Both the screening part and the total scale had a positive correlation with depression and Global Severity Index in SCL-90-R, and a negative correlation with social support. The scores of the screening part had a positive correlation with anxiety, psychoticism, hostility and hopelessness as well. The screening part consisted of a single factor which explains 60% of the total variance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Persian translation of the BSSI has desirable psychometric properties in research setting. However, the clinical usage of the scale remains to be explored, and the factor structure of the whole questionnaire should be assessed in a clinical sample.
authors.affiliation: MC, Clinical Psychologist, Psychology & Educational Science Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. maryam.esfahani2011@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esfahani
authors.affiliation: MC, Clinical psychologist, Psychology & Educational Science Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. hashemiyasaman@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yasaman
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hashemi
authors.affiliation: MD, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry- School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. kavehalavi@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Kaveh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Alavi
keywords: Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation; Factor Analysis; Psychometrics; Suicidal Ideations