# Analysis of the Internal Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Entrapment Scale in Spanish Adolescents and Emerging Adults

## TL;DR

This study adapts and validates the Entrapment Scale for Spanish adolescents and young adults, showing how it can help tailor suicide prevention strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides a validated Spanish adaptation of the Entrapment Scale and identifies a bifactor model as the best fit for its structure.

## Key findings

- The bifactor model best represents the internal structure of the Entrapment Scale in this population.
- Distinguishing between internal and external entrapment can improve therapeutic strategies for suicidal behavior.
- The scale shows good reliability and validity for measuring entrapment in Spanish-speaking adolescents and emerging adults.

## Abstract

The Entrapment Scale was developed to measure the feeling of being trapped by external situations or internal experiences (such as thoughts and emotions) without the possibility of escape. This perception, especially when combined with feelings of defeat, is central to integrated motivational–volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behavior. This study adapts the Entrapment Scale for Spanish adolescents and emerging adults, focusing on its internal structure, reliability, and criterion validity. We assessed 849 participants (48.1% male) aged 12 to 22 and compared three models: a correlated two-factor model, a second-order factor model, and a bifactor model. The bifactor model showed the best fit, indicating that a general entrapment factor influenced all items, while specific internal and external factors captured unique aspects. Importantly, distinguishing between internal and external entrapment can guide the development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies, as the relevance of each dimension may vary depending on the behaviors or symptoms present. This approach allows clinicians to target interventions more precisely to the individual’s needs. Theoretical and practical implications for understanding and addressing suicidal behavior are discussed.