Validation of the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale

Abstract

The present study validated the Spiritual Harm and Abuse Scale (SHAS; Koch & Edstrom, 2022), an instrument designed to measure the construct of spiritual abuse within Christian contexts. The SHAS development process yielded a robust six-factor, 27-item structure (Maintaining the System, Internal Distress, Embracing Violence, Controlling Leadership, Harmful God-image, and Gender Discrimination). The current study assessed the psychometric properties of the SHAS using data from 207 adult participants with Christian backgrounds. Participants completed the SHAS along with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire (SAQ), and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). Correlational analyses demonstrated strong convergent validity, indicated by significant positive correlations between the SHAS and both psychological distress (K6) and spiritual abuse measures (SAQ). Additionally, a mild inverse correlation with social desirability (MCSDS) provided evidence supporting discriminant validity. These findings suggest the SHAS is a valid, reliable, and multidimensional instrument, suitable for identifying spiritual abuse and exploring its psychological implications, thereby holding significant potential for use in both clinical and research contexts.