Psychometric Evaluation of the Korean Version of the Scale for Assessing Stigma Toward Mental Illness Among Nurses

ABSTRACT Introduction Nurses' stigma toward people with mental illness undermines care quality, yet nurse‐specific, culturally validated measures remain scarce. Method This methodological study translated, culturally adapted, and psychometrically evaluated the Korean version of the Scale for Assessing Stigma Toward Mental Illness Among Nurses (K‐SASMIN). Data were collected from 302 nurses recruited through an online nursing community between January and February 2025. Psychometric properties were assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, criterion validity, and internal consistency. Results Exploratory factor analysis identified a three‐factor structure with 20 items: Negative Stereotype, Social Distance, and Restrictive Attitudes, explaining 56.8% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported acceptable model fit (RMSEA = 0.079, CFI = 0.88, χ 2 /df = 2.25, TLI = 0.86). Criterion validity was confirmed by a positive correlation with Suicide Stigma Scale ( r = 0.48, 95% CI [0.38, 0.58] , p < 0.001). Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach's α = 0.89). Conclusion The K‐SASMIN is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing Korean nurses' stigma toward people with mental illness. Implications This tool provides a validated measure for Korean nurses, supports stigma reduction, and enables comparative research and culturally sensitive interventions in mental health nursing.