Scale-Description

The RFLS-166 consists of 166 items that explore the various reasons why an individual may choose to live, even when experiencing a critical psychological state. This scale was developed to study the protective factors related to suicide, such as social bonds, personal values, and a sense of obligation to others.

The scale’s items cover various dimensions, such as:

Moral and Religious Reasons: Belief in moral values or religious beliefs that prevent suicide.

Obligations to Family: A sense of responsibility and duty towards loved ones.

Fear of Social Stigma: Fear of social criticism and the stigma associated with suicide.

Love of Life: The feeling that life has meaning and is worth living despite difficulties.

Fear of Death: Fear of pain, agony, or the unknown associated with death.

Hope for the Future: The hope that things may improve in the future.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data collected from the RFLS-166 help identify the factors contributing to an individual’s survival during times of crisis. Responses are scored on a Likert scale, where participants rate the extent to which various statements apply to them.

Data analysis includes:

Reliability analysis, such as calculating Cronbach’s alpha, to ensure the internal consistency of the different subscales.

Factor analysis to confirm the various dimensions that contribute to the reasons individuals choose to continue living.

Statistical analysis to explore the relationship between reasons for living and other psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and social support.

Data from the RFLS-166 are used in clinical studies for suicide prevention and developing intervention strategies for individuals at high risk.

Purpose

The primary goal of the Reason for Living Scales (RFLS-166) is to evaluate the protective factors that help individuals avoid suicide. Specifically, the scale aims to:

Understand the positive reasons that keep individuals away from suicidal behaviors.

Provide information about the individual’s psychological state and coping mechanisms during crises.

Support mental health professionals in creating effective interventions to strengthen protective factors in individuals with suicidal ideation.

Calibration

The calibration of the RFLS-166 includes:

Reliability analysis to ensure the internal consistency of the subscales.

Confirmatory factor analysis to validate the scale’s structure and the factors it measures.

Cross-validation with various populations to ensure the reliability and generalizability of the results.

Bibliography

Linehan, M. M., Goodstein, J. L., Nielsen, S. L., & Chiles, J. A. (1983). Reasons for staying alive when you are thinking of killing yourself: The Reasons for Living Inventory. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(2), 276-286.

Gutierrez, P. M., & Osman, A. (2008). Getting the whole picture: Assessing suicidal behavior in adolescent clinical samples. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(4), 469-480.

Osman, A., Kopper, B. A., Barrios, F. X., Osman, J. R., & Besett, T. (1996). The Reasons for Living Inventory for Adolescents (RFL-A): Development and psychometric properties. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52(4), 469-473.