Description

The MULTI-ATTITUDE SUICIDE TENDENCY SCALE (MAST) is an assessment tool designed to measure suicide tendencies and related attitudes of individuals. It focuses on different aspects of suicidal thinking, including emotional and cognitive parameters that influence suicidal behavior.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis from the MAST includes:

Scoring: Participants rate their views and thoughts about suicide on a Likert scale. Higher scores indicate increased suicide tendencies.

Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of mean and standard deviation to assess the overall suicide tendency in a population.

Correlation: Examination of relationships between suicide tendencies and factors such as age, gender, and mental health.

Comparative Analysis: Investigation of differences between various groups (e.g., clinical and non-clinical populations).

Objective

The objective of the MAST is to understand individuals’ thoughts and attitudes regarding suicide, identify risk factors, and contribute to the development of intervention and prevention strategies.

Calibration

The calibration of the MAST involves adapting the tool for different populations. This is achieved through:

Cross-Cultural Studies: Testing the MAST in various cultural contexts to ensure its appropriateness.

Reliability Analysis: Using techniques such as Cronbach’s alpha to determine the consistency of the questions.

Validity Testing: Checking the MAST’s ability to reflect the real experiences of participants.

References

Williams, J. M. G., & Pollock, L. R. (2000). The Role of Cognition in Suicide: An Overview of the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale. Clinical Psychology Review, 20(2), 239-257.

Joiner, T. E. (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Bock, J. R. (2010). Assessing Suicidal Behavior: An Integrative Approach. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(3), 305-318.