Preliminary validation of the Mental Health Test in a psychiatric sample

Abstract

To assist psychiatrists and clinical psychologists to assess their patients’ psychological immune competence-based capacities and resources, depending on the mental health disorder diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms, the present study examined the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Test in a psychiatric sample. The research was carried out in four Hungarian healthcare facilities using a cross-sectional design. A total of 331 patients (140 male, 188 female, and 3 who preferred not to disclose their gender) completed the Mental Health Test, six well-being and mental health measures, and the Symptom Checklist-90. Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists reported the mental disorder status of each participant. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the five-factor model to the data for the clinical version of the Mental Health Test (CFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.034). High internal consistency coefficients (α: 0.70–0.84; ω: 0.71–0.85) and excellent external and content validity were reported. The test is not sensitive to sociodemographic indicators but is sensitive to the correlates of well-being and to the symptoms of different types of mental disorders. Our preliminary findings suggest that the Mental Health Test is a suitable measure for assessing mental health capacities and resources in psychiatric samples.

Mental health competencies are stronger determinants of well-being than mental disorder symptoms in both psychiatric and non-clinical samples

“…The present study proposes a model for investigating the complex interrelationship between mental disorders, mental health competencies and well-being. Mental health competencies, as conceptualised in the Maintainable Positive Mental Health Theory 10 and included in the Mental Health Test 10 , 11 , have an important predictive value for well-being in the presence of psychopathological symptoms and/or mental disorders. In addition to their predictive value, mental health competencies are useful in other ways.…”

“…Additionally, studies based on Ryff’s model of psychological well-being 9 have found that purpose in life and personal growth are positively related to well-being, even in the presence of mental disorder symptoms. The identification and application of mental health competencies in psychiatric practice, particularly during the recovery phase, could serve as a new driving force, though the scientific understanding of their potential positive role in the context of mental disorders remains underexplored 10 , 11 .…”

“…These pillars ensure that individuals can thrive amid change and challenges, even with symptoms of various mental disorders, declines, losses, and negative life events. The Mental Health Test (MHT) 10 , 11 operationalizes the MPMHT and is the first measure offering a comprehensive, five-dimensional framework designed to encompass the wide spectrum of psychological resources related to mental health, including individuals with mental disorders.…”