Psychometric evaluation of the mental health continuum-short form (MHC-SF) in a New Zealand context – a confirmatory factor analysis

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF) as a multi-dimensional measure of positive mental health, in a large, gender-balanced population-based sample. The sample was 2887 participants in New Zealand. 50.7% were females, and the average age was 50.87 ( SD = 17.58). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the MHC-SF and tests of convergent validity. Measurement invariance and latent mean differences across gender, age, and ethnicity were also investigated. To measure reliability, internal consistency was assessed. Analyses supported the correlated three-factor structure of the MHC-SF (emotional, psychological and social well-being) (RMSEA = .053; CFI = .95; SRMR = .035). Configural invariance was supported across gender, age and ethnicity. Scalar invariance was supported across gender, and partial scalar invariance was supported across age and ethnicity. Convergent validity of the scale was supported. The scale and each sub-scale had internal consistency coefficients above .70. Results confirm well-being as a multi-dimensional construct and the MHC-SF as an appropriate instrument to measure positive mental health for individuals and the population in New Zealand.