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The Personal Suicide Stigma Questionnaire (PSSQ): Relation to Self-Esteem, Well-Being, and Help-Seeking

Author

Listed:
  • Brant R. Maclean

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • Tahni Forrester

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • Jacinta Hawgood

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • John O’Gorman

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • Jurgita Rimkeviciene

    (Suicide Research Centre, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, LT-03100 Vilnius, Lithuania)

Abstract

Two studies are reported that extend the evidence base for use of the Personal Stigma of Suicide Questionnaire (PSSQ). In the first study (N = 117), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the WHO-5 measure of well-being, as well as measures of suicidality were examined in relation to the PSSQ. A self-selected sub-sample (N = 30) completed the PSSQ after an interval of two months. In line with the stigma internalization model, when demographic variables and suicidality were accounted for, the PSSQ self-blame subscale was the most significant predictor of self-esteem. As for well-being, the rejection subscale was involved as well as self-blame. The retest stability of the PSSQ for the sub-sample was 0.85 and coefficient alpha for the total sample was 0.95, indicating both good stability and internal consistency for the scale. In the second study (N = 140), PSSQ was studied in relation to intention to seek help from four sources in the case of suicidal ideation. The strongest relationship with PSSQ was with intention not to seek help from anyone (r = 0.35). When other variables were included in the prediction of help-seeking from a general medical practitioner, family or friends, or from nobody, the only significant PSSQ correlate was minimization. For help-seeking from a psychologist or psychiatrist, the most significant predictor was judged helpfulness of prior contact with them. The results from these studies strengthen previous findings of the construct validity of the PSSQ and point to its utility in understanding barriers to help-seeking among those experiencing suicidality.

Suggested Citation

  • Brant R. Maclean & Tahni Forrester & Jacinta Hawgood & John O’Gorman & Jurgita Rimkeviciene, 2023. "The Personal Suicide Stigma Questionnaire (PSSQ): Relation to Self-Esteem, Well-Being, and Help-Seeking," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:3816-:d:1075559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jack Farr & Andrew D. R. Surtees & Hollie Richardson & Maria Michail, 2021. "Exploring the Processes Involved in Seeking Help from a General Practitioner for Young People Who Have Been at Risk of Suicide," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.
    2. Sarah Keller & Vanessa McNeill & Tan Tran, 2021. "The Perceived Stigma Reduction Expressed by Young Adults in Response to Suicide Prevention Videos," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-22, June.
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