Psychometric Evaluation of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) for Dutch Adolescents

Anne Kennes*, Sanne Peeters, Mayke Janssens, Jennifer Reijnders, Johan Lataster, Nele Jacobs

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the structure, reliability, and convergent validity of the adolescent version of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (Dutch MHC-SF-A), a self-report questionnaire for positive mental health assessment. This questionnaire was completed by 459 Dutch adolescents (178 boys and 281 girls) between the ages of 11 and 18 years at baseline and at a 4-week follow-up. Results revealed the 3-factor structure in emotional, psychological, and social well-being, a high internal reliability and a moderate test-retest reliability. Findings suggest that mental illness and well-being represent two related but distinct continua of mental health. Fostering adolescents' well-being is important. Promoting positive emotions, creating a supportive and loving parent-adolescent relationship, and a supportive school environment will contribute to this.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3276-3286
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies
Volume29
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

Keywords

  • AGE
  • Adolescent
  • CHILDREN
  • CRITERIA
  • EMOTION REGULATION
  • GENDER-DIFFERENCES
  • HAPPINESS
  • Mental illness
  • Positive mental health
  • Psychometric properties
  • STRESS
  • Well-being
  • SCHOOL
  • POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

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