Factor structure of the mental health continuum - short form (MHC-SF) among persons living with spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the basic psychometric properties and theorized three-factor structure of the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form (MHC-SF) among persons living with traumatically-acquired spinal cord injuries.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of data obtained in an online survey.

SETTING

Survey administered to individuals on the Paralyzed Veterans of America email listserv.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 303 members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America completed an online survey that included the MHC-SF. Confirmatory factor analyses and Cronbach's alphas were conducted for the MHC-SF total and subscale scores. Fit indices that were examined included chi-square value, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR).

RESULTS

Over half of the respondents were classified as flourishing (54%), based on the instructional criteria for the instrument. A small percentage were classified as languishing (9%). The theorized three-factor model demonstrated an adequate fit to the data. One and two factor models were not supported.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the three-factor model of positive mental health assessed by the MHC-SF is replicated among respondents with chronic SCI. The MHC-SF and its accompanying theoretical model of positive mental health may offer a multidimensional tool to assess and conceptualize mental health-related quality of life among persons living with SCI. Further study of the psychometric properties of the MHC-SF is warranted.