Factorial Validation of Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) on Indian Adolescents and Youths: A Methodological Study

Background: Adolescents and youths are the critical periods where mental health issues should be addressed and mental health be promoted. Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) is a 14-item self-report measure that assesses mental health in terms of emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of well-being. It is a comprehensive as well as a psychometrically sound mental health measure, however, it has not been psychometrically tested in the Indian context. Aim: The present study aimed at assessing the construct validities of MHC-SF on Indian adolescents and youths by conducting two independent studies. Method: The sample of Study-1 comprises 1165 youth in the age range of 18-24 years. Using a cross sectional design, construct validity of MHC-SF was assessed with the help of confirmatory factor analysis. The factor structure of MHC-SF was also tested across gender. Study-2 was conducted on 218 adolescents and youths to establish the convergent and divergent validities of MHC-SF. Results: The results showed that MHC-SF is a valid measure in the Indian context. The original tripartite model conceptualization was found to be better than alternative conceptualizations. MHC-SF was established as a higher-order construct as well. Factor structure and factor loadings of MHC-SF did not differ across genders. The result of study-2 supported the convergent and divergent validities of MHC-SF. The present research supported the tripartite conceptualization of MHC-SF, and that is in sync with the three core components of the WHO (World Health Organization) definition of mental health. Therefore, MHC-SF can be useful in assessing mental health of adolescents and youth in India.