A shortened version of the Indirect Self-Destructiveness Scale ISDS-25

Abstract

Aim. The Indirect Self-Destructiveness Scale (ISDS) was developed as a measure of individual tendency for self-destructive behavior. The aim of the article is to propose its abbreviated version (ISDS-25) and to present the psychometric properties of this instrument. Methods. The analyses were carried out on aggregated data (N = 670) obtained from adult individuals. The procedure of shortening the ISDS scale took into account both statistical criteria (values of discriminatory power coefficients and factor loadings of items) and content criteria (degree of item representativeness and comprehensibility). The psychometric properties of the shortened scale were determined by analyzing its reliability and validity (factorial, convergent and differential). Results. The short version of the ISDS scale consists of 25 items and is characterized by satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.81; ω = 0.88). The obtained factorial structure (bifactor model), gender differences, and correlations with the scores of other scales confirm the tool’s theoretical validity. Conclusions. The obtained results justify the conclusion that the short version of the Indirect Self-Destructiveness Scale (ISDS-25) faithfully reflects the original construct and can be successfully employed in empirical research on the phenomenon of chronic self-destructiveness.