An investigation of hate-motivated behavior among adults in Scotland and associations with risk factors for self-directed violence

Background
Hate motivated behaviour (HMB) is discriminatory and results in physical and psychological harm. To examine HMB perpetration and victimisation within a Scottish context, we sought to (1) examine the factor-structure of both the original Hate-Motivated Behaviour Checklist (HMBC) and our adapted victimisation version and (2) test associations between HMB and feelings of defeat and entrapment, key suicide-related cognitions.

Research methods
Adults currently living in Scotland (n=447) were invited to complete an online survey assessing demographic factors, involvement in HMB perpetration and/or victimisation, and experiences of feeling defeated or trapped.

Results
Findings supported interpreting both the perpetrator and victimisation versions of the HMBC as a single total score and HMB was associated with increased feelings of defeat and entrapment in HMB victims (but not perpetrators).

Conclusions
Both perpetrator and victim versions of the HMBC are useful tools in HMB research. Perceptions of defeat and entrapment may be relevant psychological processes in the pathways linking interpersonal and self-directed violence.