Mental Health Continuum–Short Form scale: Validation in a sample of Peruvian university students

Escala Mental Health Continuum–Short Form: Validación en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios peruanos

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5944/rppc.42092

Keywords:

Continuous mental health, positive mental health, wellbeing, factorial validity, MHC-SF

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) scale in students at a public university in Lima, Peru. Method: A sample of 1066 students from aged 18 to 30 years (M = 20.17, SD = 1.92). Its divergent validity was contrasted with the DASS-21 Scale; in addition, we performed construct validity, invariance and reliability analyses. Results: The instrument showed an adequate fit for the three-factor model (emotional, psychological and social wellbeing), with the following indices: χ²(74) = 404.38, p < .01; TLI = .99, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .08, SRMR = .05, GFI = .099, and χ2/df = 5.4. Interdimensional correlations ranged from .76 to .87, and the scale met gender invariance criteria. Divergent validity was moderate (-.37 to -.61), convergent validity was confirmed (AVE > .50), and discriminant validity was acceptable (HTMT < .85). Finally, reliability coefficients (alpha, omega, and composite) all exceeded .83. Conclusions: These findings support the use of the instrument in the Peruvian unive rsity population.

RESUMEN

Objetivo: Se examinaron las propiedades psicométricas de la escala Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) en estudiantes de una universidad pública de Lima-Perú. Método: Participaron 1066 estudiantes de 18 a 30 años (M = 20.17, DT = 1.92), se contrastó su validez convergente con la Escala DASS-21. Asimismo, se realizaron análisis de validez de constructo, invarianza y fiabilidad. Resultados: El instrumento mostró ajuste adecuado para el modelo de tres factores (bienestar emocional, psicológico y social) con valores χ2(74) = 404.38, p < .01; TLI = .99, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .08, SRMR = .05, GFI = .099 y χ2/df = 5.4. Correlaciones entre dimensiones de .76 a .87; criterios de invariancia según género; validez divergente moderada de -,37a -,61; validez convergente AVE > .50 y validez discriminante HTMT < .85; finalmente, coeficientes alfa, omega y compuesto >.83. Conclusiones: Las propiedades del instrumento permiten su uso en la población universitaria peruana.

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Author Biographies

Lizley Janne Tantalean-Terrones, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Doctor and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal (UNFV), Master's Degree in Psychology with mention in Prevention and Intervention in Childhood and Adolescence, from the Universidad Femenina Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart Women's University). With 20 years of professional experience, 5 of which she worked as a technical specialist in the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) - Peru. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Psychology at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal; member of the Research Community in Psychological Evaluation (EVPSIC) - UNFV, and the Knowledge Community of the Center for Support and Educational and Professional Development (CADEP) - ACACIA - Apoya Module - UNFV. Her research interests are in the field of intervention, prevention and promotion in mental health (with the development and adaptation of psychoeducational programs); as well as in the review and design of psychometric tests.

Marivel Teresa Aguirre-Morales, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Doctor in Psychology, Master in Health Psychology, Post Doctor of the National University of Education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Specialist in Couple and Family, Virtual Tutor of the International Online Master of Drug Addictions of the CICAD-OAS, University Professor of pre and post degree of the UNFV, USMP and invited universities, Member of the Association of Peruvian Psychologists of Renal Health, Consultant and Researcher: Clinical and Health, Clinical and Health Assistance oriented to work with chronic - terminal patients and family. Capacity for the elaboration, design and execution of research projects, promotion and prevention programs.

Ingrid Belú Cirilo-Acero, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Master's Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology. Doctorate studies in Psychology. With experience in university teaching since 2003 to date in the area of research. She has participated in research since 2006 in the areas of addiction and health, such as quality of life, self-efficacy, emotional dependence, among others. With training as a specialist in university quality. Exercises the professional activity of clinical and health psychology, in adolescents and adults, experience in psycho nephrology and consultations in particular.

Manuel Humberto Mayanga-Aliaga, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Degree in Psychology from Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, with a clinical orientation; he is a graduate of the Pathway Connect program at Brigham Young University, Idaho, USA, and co-author of the book Panorama de la investigación psicológica: un análisis bibliointegrativo de las tesis de pregrado (Panorama of psychological research: a bibliointegrative analysis of undergraduate theses). He has served as head, coordinator and planner at the Association of People Affected by Tuberculosis (ASPAT), as well as counselor and advisor at the Equilibrio Association and the Tablada de Lurin Maternal and Child Center; organizer and speaker at academic conferences and congresses on topics associated with bibliometrics, bibliointegration and scientific production. Finally, he worked as editorial production and proofreading assistant at the Revista Cátedra Villarreal.

María Alejandra Carbajal-Ríos, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Degree in Social Psychology from Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, with a Master's degree in psychology, specialist and consultant in the field of psychosocial intervention.

José Héctor Livia-Segovia, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima, Perú

Degree in Psychology from Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. Doctor in Psychology, Master in Clinical Psychology. Second Specialty Studies in Learning Disabilities - Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and Statistics and Research at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Diploma in Mental Health in Populations, Teaching and Research, University Teaching in Health and University Accreditation, Training Management (PUCP). Main Professor at the National University Federico Villarreal (UNFV). Editor of the Peruvian Journal of Psychometry, Villarreal Chair. Member of the Editorial Committee of the Journal Psicología;Reflexao e Critica of UFRS-Porto Alegre (Brazil), Psicología: Ciência e Profissão of the Consejo Federal de Psicología Brasil, Estudos Interdisciplinares em Psicología of the Universidade Esadual de Londrina (Brazil) and Revista de Psicología da Crianzas e do Adolescente of the Universidade Lusiada, Lisbon (Portugal), as well as Universitas Psicologica (Colombia). Former Coordinator of the Mental Health Program, School and Adolescent Health Program (SEA) and Quality of Health Services (MINSA). Lines of research: Psychometrics, Public Health and Child Psychopathology, Research Methodology, Psychological-Educational Tests and Scientific Information Systems. Publications in Psicología.Com.(Spain), Avances en Medición(Colombia), Anales de Psicología(Spain), Preventing School Failure Preventing-USA, among others. Diploma of studies in senior management in higher education (CENTRUM).

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Published

2025-12-20

How to Cite

Tantalean-Terrones, L. J., Aguirre-Morales, M. T., Cirilo-Acero, I. B., Mayanga-Aliaga, M. H., Carbajal-Ríos, M. A., & Livia-Segovia, J. H. (2025). Mental Health Continuum–Short Form scale: Validation in a sample of Peruvian university students: Escala Mental Health Continuum–Short Form: Validación en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios peruanos. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Psychology   , 30(3), 257–266. https://doi.org/10.5944/rppc.42092

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Original research articles

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