A psychometric evaluation of the anti-mattering scale: internalized and experiential dimensions in U.S. College students and patients with chronic illness

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the anti-mattering scale (AMS) in two U.S. samples, including its factor structure, measurement invariance across race, gender and sexual orientation, construct validity and reliability. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data were collected from 956 college students and 346 patients with chronic illness. Findings Confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor model distinguishing internalized (i.e. stable, self-beliefs of anti-mattering) and experiential (i.e. interpersonal experiences of insignificance) dimensions. Both demonstrated strong validity. The AMS predicted suicidal ideation beyond related constructs, with experiential anti-mattering showing more consistent predictive utility, especially among patients with chronic illness. Practical implications The AMS may serve as a brief multidimensional tool for identifying risk for depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Differentiating its dimensions may improve assessment precision and inform targeted interventions across educational and healthcare settings. Originality/value Findings support a multidimensional conceptualization of anti-mattering and highlight the importance of distinguishing internalized and experiential components.