Abbreviated Suicidal Narrative Inventory: factor structure, internal consistency, and validity in a Brazilian sample

Abstract

Objective: To test the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Brazilian version of the Abbreviated Suicidal Narrative Inventory (SNI-38). Methods: We used an anonymous online questionnaire of the SNI-38 and self-report measures administered between November 2020 and October 2021 in the Brazilian community. Participants were recruited through social media advertisements. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the factor structure of the SNI-38. In addition, we assessed internal consistency and convergent validity against stressful life events, suicide crisis syndrome, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Results: A total of 2,660 participants were included. The eight-factor model of the SNI-38 had a good model fit (χ2[637] = 7,473.98, p < 0.001, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.99, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.99, root mean squared error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07, standardized root mean residual [SRMR] = 0.06). Notably, all items were significantly and positively loaded onto their respective factors (factor loadings ≥ 0.45). The reliability of all subscales except for goal disengagement ranged from good to high. Furthermore, all subscales except goal disengagement showed positive correlations with variables such as suicide crisis syndrome, stressful life events, lifetime/past month suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicide attempts. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary support for the validity of the Brazilian version of the SNI-38 as an appropriate, valid instrument for measuring suicidal narratives in Brazilian individuals.

Keywords

• Narrative-crisis model of suicide
• suicidal narrative
• suicide crisis syndrome
• suicide