Preliminary Validation of the Korean Version of the Alexian Brothers Urge to Self-Injure Scale (ABUSI-K)

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Alexian-Brothers Urge to Self-injure Scale (ABUSI) for measuring non-suicidal self-injury urges.Methods: Analysis was conducted on a sample of 389 adult men and women who had inflicted self-harm without suicidal intent within three years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm the single factor of the scale, and convergent validity was assessed to establish the relationship between ABUSI-K and Negative Urgency (UPPS-P), Self-Criticism/Attacking and Reassurance (FSCRS), and Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (SITBI).Results: The Korean version of the Alexian-Brothers Urge to Self-Injure Scale (ABUSI-K) showed high internal consistency and, like the original scale, was confirmed to be a single-factor scale measuring the urge to self-injure. Convergent validity with negative urgency, self-criticism/self-attacking and self-reassuring, the NSSI module of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, and depression and anxiety were also significant, indicating that ABUSI-K’s psychometric benefits are confirmed.Conclusions: The results of this study will provide a multifaceted understanding of self-injury without suicidal intent and the urges that occur before self-injury. They are expected to be useful in clinical interventions for individuals who have engaged in non-suicidal self-injuries.