Positive mental health questionnaire-short form (PMHQ-SF18): Psychometric properties of the spanish version

Abstract

Background: The construct of positive mental health (PMH) is defined as the basis of individuals' psychological well-being and their ability to function effectively and cope with life's challenges. The Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) is a reliable tool for assessing the PMH factors, but its length (39 items) can pose challenges in certain contexts and populations. This highlights the need for an abridged version of the questionnaire that requires less time to administer. Therefore, the main aim was to validate the Spanish 18 item-shortened version of the PMHQ (PMHQ-SF18). Methods: The sample consisted of 574 nursing students. Psychometric analyses were carried out based on construct validity, criterion validity, and internal consistency. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the internal structure was consistent with the model of the previously validated Portuguese brief version. Results: The results supported the good psychometric properties of the instrument, with adequate validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed optimal goodness-of-fit values, supporting the six-factor structure. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.83. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the PMHQ-SF18 is a valid and reliable instrument, comparable to the original version, but with the added benefits of being shorter, quicker, and easier to administer. Consequently, it may be particularly useful for population-based screening studies and for monitoring change following positive mental health promotion interventions. Its abridged format makes it particularly suitable for assessing individuals with specific characteristics or in contexts where time is limited, and more concise instruments are required, for example, in primary care or critical care.