Construction and Standardization of Perceived Shame Scale for Young Adults with Paternal Substance Use Disorder in Pakistan

Young adults who struggle with paternal substance use disorder frequently experience elevated levels of shame, which are a result of both internalized feelings of inadequacy and societal stigma. This study aims to develop and validate a perceived shame scale with paternal substance use disorder. This study comprises two phases. Phase I involves the development of the perceived shame of paternal substance use disorder scale, and Phase II aims to validate this scale. This study employed a mixed-method research design and purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 340 participants for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 300 participants for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Participants, aged 20-30 years (<i>M = 25.12, SD = 3.05</i>) were recruited. The results finalized twenty-two (22) items with four sub-scales after CFA i.e. psychological problems, interpersonal problems, existential problems, and social problems demonstrating excellent validity and reliability. In conclusion, the results provide a useful tool for future research and clinical interventions aimed at addressing paternal substance use disorder and related emotional difficulties, in addition to furthering our understanding of the internalized and societal causes of shame. The findings of this study have important ramifications for developing empathy, lowering stigma, and advancing efficient support networks for those dealing with this difficult problem.