Development and Preliminary Validation of the Perceived Contribution Scale: Expanding Measurement of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide.

Recent research has argued for the presence of perceived contribution as an aspect of perceived burdensomeness, a factor associated with suicidal ideation. To evaluate the potential role of perceived contribution within the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide, a valid measure of perceived contribution is required. This study describes the development and initial validation of a self-report measure of perceived contribution. Data were drawn from two samples (N = 518 community adults and N = 1,378 college students). Both samples were predominantly assigned female at birth (67.8% and 82.2%, respectively) and non-Hispanic White (63.7% and 55.3%, respectively). Analyses examined item clarity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance, and reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 13-item, 2-factor solution, with factors representing contribution to family and contribution to community. Confirmatory factor analysis further refined the scale. Configural invariance was found across all demographic subgroups, but support for metric and scalar invariance was limited. Initial support for convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity was found, but support for incremental validity was limited. Additional evaluation of the Perceived Contribution Scale should examine its use among diverse populations. Future research is needed to examine the role of perceived contribution within the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide.