Development and validation of a Cancer Patient Suicidal Ideation Scale.

Aim: To develop a Cancer Patient Suicidal Ideation Scale (CAPASIS) and test its reliability and validity. Patients & methods: An initial CAPASIS was developed. Clinical assessment was conducted using an adjusted initial scale with 239 cancer patients for item reduction and 253 for scale validation. Results: Item selection analyses resulted in 22 items. The revised model fits were acceptable (normal chi-square [ χ 2 / df ] = 1.919; standardized root mean residual [SRMR] = 0.057; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.060; goodness fit index [GFI] = 0.882; adjusted goodness fit index [AGFI] = 0.844; Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.898; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.915; incremental fit index [IFI] = 0.917). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.911. Conclusion: The CAPASIS has good validity and reliability, with a six-factor structure of 'entrapment', 'defeat', 'isolation', 'hopelessness', 'burdensomeness' and 'humiliation', which can help identify patients with suicidal ideation.