Reliability and Validity of Personal Stigma Scale Among University Students in Singapore

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the Personal Stigma Scale and the intrapersonal variables that affect the personal stigma level towards depression among university students in Singapore. METHODS: University students aged 18 to 24 years old who were literate in English were recruited using convenience sampling through online platforms. Participants' stigma towards depression was assessed using the Personal Stigma Scale. Each item of the scale was rated from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); higher scores indicate higher stigmatising attitudes. Internal consistency, divergent validity, construct validity, and test-retest reliability of the Personal Stigma Scale were evaluated, as were the intrapersonal variables that affect the personal stigma level towards depression. RESULTS: Personal stigma level was significantly lower in female participants, those from healthcare faculties, those with prior contact with healthcare professionals, those without mental health disorders, and those with loved ones with mental health disorders. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. The Personal Stigma Scale was negatively correlated with the Depression Literacy Scale weakly and the Anxiety Literacy Scale moderately. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.71 for the overall scale and 0.18 to 0.67 for subscales. Test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.74 at 2 weeks and 0.70 at 2 months. CONCLUSION: The Personal Stigma Scale is valid and reliable to measure self-stigma towards depression among university students in Singapore. Nonetheless, further studies are required to examine its factor structure, especially among various cultures and populations.