Evaluating the psychometric properties of the mental health continuum short form (MHC SF) in Dutch adolescents
BackgroundMental health is increasingly viewed as the presence of various aspects of well being rather than just the absence of mental illness. The Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC SF) is a 14 item instrument that assesses mental health, focusing on emotional, psychological, and social well being. The present study examined for the first time the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the MHC SF among adolescents, focusing on its factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and gender and age factorial invariance.MethodsData were collected from a school based sample of 1175 adolescents (53.4% girls) aged 11 17 years (M 13.7; SD 1.1) Participants completed an online questionnaire in the classroom during regular school hours. Statistical analyses to evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and gender and age factorial invariance were performed in SPSS and R.ResultsUsing confirmatory factor analyses, a satisfactory to good fit was obtained for the three factor model (emotional, psychological, and social well being) The MHC SF scores showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha .91) and results supported convergent and divergent validity. Finally, the MHC SF showed gender and age factorial invariance.ConclusionThe current psychometric evaluation indicates the MHC SF is a reliable and valid instrument to assess multiple dimensions of well being among Dutch adolescents. The instrument can be applied for research purposes and in clinical practice.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes