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.