Which self-stigma of seeking help (SSOSH) version has adequate psychometric properties? An analysis of the SEM approach and network psychometrics in the Peruvian sample

Self-stigma for seeking help is a factor associated with various mental health problems. For its measurement, there are instruments such as SSOSH, SSOSH-7, and SSOSH-3. However, its psychometric properties have yet to be examined in the Latin American context. Faced with this, the study aimed to evaluate the factorial structure of the SSOSH, SSOSH-7, and SSOSH-3 in the Peruvian sample, identify evidence of validity based on the relationship with other variables, perform factorial invariance according to sex and determine the degree of reliability. The sample comprised 404 Peruvian citizens of both sexes (65.84% women and 34.16% men) whose ages ranged from 18 to 58 years (M = 24.27; SD = 7.9). In addition to applying the three versions of the SSOSH, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale-P (EAR-P) were applied. The present study evidenced that using the EGA and riEGA, a one-dimensional model was identified in the three versions of the SSOSH. It was shown that the SSOSH-7 and SSOSH-3 have adequate fit and reliability indices. In addition, it was shown that the factorial structure of the SSOH-3 is invariant in the group of men and women. Additionally, it was found that the self-stigma of seeking help predicts depression and self-esteem. It is concluded that the SSOSH-3 showed better psychometric performance than the other versions of the SSOSH. Therefore, SSOSH-3 proves to be a brief, valid and reliable instrument that allows the adequate measurement of self-stigma due to help-seeking in the Peruvian adult sample.