Psychometric Properties of the Positive Mental Health Scale in a Spanish Population

Abstract

Background. Positive mental health can be defined as the presence of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The original version of the Positive Mental Health (PMHs) scale appears to have good psychometric properties. This study aims to validate the Spanish version for the general population. Methods. A sample of 845 participants (425%–50.30% women) aged between 14 and 70 years (M = 32.1; SD= 4.2) was used. Descriptive analyses were performed on the items, as well as confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity with protective factors and with risk factors. Results. Factor analysis confirmed a unidimensional structure with excellent model fit indices, high positive convergent validity especially with resilience to suicide attempts and optimism, and high negative convergent validity mainly with anxiety. Conclusions. The PMH is a scale with the necessary reliability and validity to be used in different psychosocial contexts, especially in the health care of the Spanish population.