Assessing positive mental health in people with chronic physical health problems: correlations with socio-demographic variables and physical health status

Abstract

BackgroundA holistic perspective on health implies giving careful consideration to the relationship between physical and mental health. In this regard the present study sought to determine the level of Positive Mental Health (PMH) among people with chronic physical health problems, and to examine the relationship between the observed levels of PMH and both physical health status and socio-demographic variables.MethodsThe study was based on the Multifactor Model of Positive Mental Health (Lluch, 1999), which comprises six factors: Personal Satisfaction (F1), Prosocial Attitude (F2), Self-control (F3), Autonomy (F4), Problem-solving and Self-actualization (F5), and Interpersonal Relationship Skills (F6). The sample comprised 259 adults with chronic physical health problems who were recruited through a primary care center in the province of Barcelona (Spain). Positive mental health was assessed by means of the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (Lluch, 1999).ResultsLevels of PMH differed, either on the global scale or on specific factors, in relation to the following variables: age: global PMH scores decreased with age (r=-0.129; p=0.038); b) gender: men scored higher on F1 (t=2.203; p=0.028) and F4 (t=3.182; p=0.002), while women scored higher on F2 (t -3.086; p=0.002) and F6 (t=-2.744; p=0.007); c) number of health conditions: the fewer the number of health problems the higher the PMH score on F5 (r=-0.146; p=0.019); d) daily medication: polymedication patients had lower PMH scores, both globally and on various factors; e) use of analgesics: occasional use of painkillers was associated with higher PMH scores on F1 (t=-2.811; p=0.006). There were no significant differences in global PMH scores according to the type of chronic health condition. The only significant difference in the analysis by factors was that patients with hypertension obtained lower PMH scores on the factor Autonomy (t=2.165; p=0.032).ConclusionsMost people with chronic physical health problems have medium or high levels of PMH. The variables that adversely affect PMH are old age, polypharmacy and frequent consumption of analgesics. The type of health problem does not influence the levels of PMH. Much more extensive studies with samples without chronic pathology are now required in order to be able to draw more robust conclusions.

Reliability and validity of the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire in a sample of Spanish university students

“…This result is similar to that of other studies in which the results ranged from a maximum score of 0.60 in the study by Lluch‐Canut et al . () in a sample of people with chronic physical health disorders to a score of 0.51 reported by Sequeira et al . () in a sample of Portuguese university students.…”

“…On comparing the correlation among factors and subscales of the PMHQ of the present study with that of the studies by Lluch (, ), Lluch‐Canut et al . (), and Sequeira et al . (), the scores were similar for the three studies, and in all three cases, the six factors or subscales showed statistically significant correlations below 0.70.…”

“…However, very few studies have analysed its psychometric properties (Lluch‐Canut et al . , Sequeira et al . ) and, to our knowledge, this is the first confirmatory factor analysis of the questionnaire.…”

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Mental Vulnerability Questionnaire in Undergraduate Students

“…Despite the results evidencing inexistent MV factors in undergraduate students, such as illiteracy, low educational achievement, or low cognitive performance, findings raise a question on the consumption of psychoactive substances (WHO, 2013) or the taking of medication (Lluch-Canut et al, 2013). The high number of students having experienced negative life events should be highlighted.…”

The validity and reliability of Positive Mental Health Scale

“…Kişisel memnuniyet Benlik kavramı/benlik saygısı, kişisel yaşamdan memnuniyet, (4,6,7,12,14,31,38,39) geleceğe ilişkin iyimser bakışı içerir.…”