Score Reliability Generalization of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS): A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to provide meta-analytic reliability information of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). We implemented systematic search procedures to 35 eligible studies (N = 23,247; Mage = 26.74 years) that reported reliability estimates. The synthesized average values of Cronbach's alpha were .88 (95% CI .85, .92) for the total C-SSRS scores, .88 (95% CI .87, .89) for the Suicidal Ideation Severity subscale, .76 (95% CI .70, .83) for the Intensity of Ideation subscale, and .81 (95% CI .74, .88) for the Suicidal Behavior subscale. Inter-rater reliability of the C-SSRS scores, as mostly indicated by Kappa coefficients, ranged from .67 to 1.00, suggesting substantial agreement. Additionally, other reliability estimates were examined, such as Guttman split-half reliability, McDonald's omega, and composite reliability. The findings of this study provided evidence of moderate to strong reliability for the C-SSRS scores. Implications for counselors and counseling researchers were provided.