Psychometric properties of the perceived stigma towards substance users scale: factor structure, internal consistency, and associations with help-seeking variables

<b><i>Background</i></b>: Stigma toward substance users is a barrier to seeking treatment.<br><b><i>Objective</i></b>: The aim for this paper was to examine the psychometric properties of the Perceived Stigma Toward Substance Users (PSAS) and its relationship with help-seeking variables.<br><b><i>Methods</i></b>: College students (<i>N</i> = 791; <i>n_females =</i> 557, 70%) responded to the PSAS and other help-seeking-related measures in an online study.<br><b><i>Results</i></b>: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional factor structure and acceptable model fit after modifications (CFI = .961; TLI = .937; RMSEA = .067, 90% C.I. = .050 to .085; SRMR = .035). Results indicated good internal consistency estimates (α = .80; ω = .80). The PSAS was negatively associated with intent to seek treatment for substance issues and willingness to self-disclose negative emotions. The PSAS was also positively correlated with stigma associated with seeking help for mental hea