The psychometric properties of 16 and 4-item versions of the entrapment scale

Amani, Malahat; Heidari, Zahra

doi:10.22098/jrp.2026.17061.1298

The psychometric properties of 16 and 4-item versions of the entrapment scale

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

malahat amani ¹
zahra heidari ²

¹ university of mohaghegh ardabili

² Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22098/jrp.2026.17061.1298

Abstract

The evidence supports the role of entrapment in predicting suicidal ideation and attempts. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 16- and 4-item versions of the Entrapment Scale in independent samples and to examine differences in entrapment across demographic characteristics. Using a descriptive and psychometrics design, the study was conducted in two populations: 306 individuals from the general population of Bojnord City and 122 students with a confirmed history of suicidal ideation or attempts. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and the 16- and 4-item versions of the Entrapment Scale. The short form was administered to the suicide-risk sample to minimize burden, while the long form was used in the general population; psychometric properties were evaluated separately within each sample. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 22. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a single-factor structure for the 16-item version. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 for the 16-item version and 0.88 for the 4-item version. The Entrapment Scale showed strong convergent validity, with correlations of 0.82 with depression and 0.63 with suicidal ideation suggesting potential overlap with depression. Individuals with a history of suicidal ideation or attempts scored significantly higher on both the Entrapment Scale and the Suicidal Ideation Scale compared to the general population. Demographic analyses revealed that men, married individuals, and younger participants exhibited significantly higher scores in entrapment, depression, and suicidal ideation. Both the 16- and 4-item versions demonstrated high reliability and validity for use in Iranian samples.

Keywords