Validity and psychometric properties of the self-identification as having a mental illness scale (SELF-I) among currently untreated persons with mental health problems

Schomerus, Georg, Muehlan, Holger, Auer, Charlotte, Horsfield, Philip, Tomczyk, Samuel, Freitag, Simone, Evans-Lacko, Sara ORCID: 0000-0003-4691-2630, Schmidt, Silke and Stolzenburg, Susanne (2019) Validity and psychometric properties of the self-identification as having a mental illness scale (SELF-I) among currently untreated persons with mental health problems. Psychiatry Research, 273. pp. 303-308. ISSN 0165-1781

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Abstract

Conceptualizing own symptoms as potential signs of a mental illness is an important, yet underresearched step towards appropriate help. Few validated measures address recognition and identification of own mental illness. Aim of this study is to investigate performance and correlates of the ‘Self-Identification as Having a Mental Illness’ scale (SELF-I) in a group of 229 currently untreated individuals with mental health problems, predominantly depression. Measures included: self-identification with having a mental illness (SELF-I), depressive and somatic symptom severity (PHQ-9 and PHQ-15), illness perceptions (B-IPQ-R-C), and sociodemographic variables. Principal-component analysis revealed in a unidimensional factor structure. The SELFI showed good reliability in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.85-0.87) and retest reliability over three months (Intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.74). Associations with depressive symptoms, previous treatment experiences and self-labelling demonstrated construct and criterion validity. Low associations with somatic symptoms and with illness-perceptions as measured by the B-IPQ-R-C indicated discriminant validity. We did not observe any floor or ceiling effects. The SELF-I scale is a brief, unidimensional and reliable measure of selfidentification as having a mental illness that offers useful research perspectives.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.journals.elsevier.com/psychiatry-resea...
Additional Information:	© 2019 Elsevier B.V.
Divisions:	Personal Social Services Research Unit
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2019 14:50
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2024 04:33
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/91956

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