Adaptation of the psychological strain scales and an empirical testing of the strain theory of suicide by J. Zhang in a Russian sample

The article presents an operationalization of the Strain Theory of Suicide, which continues the tradition of the social studies in suicidology. Objective: To adapt Psychological Strain Scales (PSS) in a Russian sample, and to test empirically the Strain Theory of Suicide. Participants: the normative sample consisted of 268 students aged 17-18 (М=19.0, SD=1.1), 169 females (63%), 99 men (37%), 1 participant did not state their gender; the clinical sample comprised 146 patients of the Crisis Unit, aged 16-48 (M=23.1, SD=5.9), 105 females (72%), 41 males (28%). Instruments: The following instruments were used: Reasons for Living Inventory, Self-Compassion Scale, Future Self Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Experience in Close Relationships - Revised, Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, Slaney’s Almost Perfect Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Psychache Scale. Results: The final version of the PSS (29 items) showed satisfactory fit of the model to empirical data x2(371)=1252.220, CFI=0.920, TLI=0.912, RMSEA=0.076, SRMR=0.074. Analysis of criterion-oriented validity showed high level of differences in three scales out of four when comparing the normative and clinical samples (Cohen’s d=1.3-1.6). The part of the Strain Theory of Suicide, which speaks of the mediating role of hopelessness and psychache between various types of strains and suicidal behavior, was also confirmed. Conclusions: The Russian adaptation of the Psychological Strain Scales went well, the scales can be used in research and clinical practice, and three scales out of four (V alue, Aspiration and Coping Strains) can also be implemented in screenings.