Journal
DIAGNOSTICS
Volume 13, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010135
Keywords
mentalization; mental disorders; MZQ; norm values; reliability; validity
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Deficits in mentalization are associated with various mental disorders but lack validated research instruments. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) in a representative German population sample. Findings showed good acceptance, but the factor structure of the original subscales was not acceptable. A 3-factor solution was suggested but not confirmed. A general underlying factor was identified. A shortened 6-item version of the MZQ was found to be comparable to the original scale.
Deficits in mentalization are indicated by impaired emotional awareness and self-reflectiveness, and are associated with various mental disorders. However, there is a lack of validated research instruments. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) were evaluated in a representative German population sample with n = 2487 participants. Analyses included evaluation of the MZQs acceptance, reliability, and validity. Factorial validity was established with exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) after the dataset was randomly split. Dimensionality was evaluated with a bi-factor model. For convergent validity, correlations with the OPD SQS, PHQ-4, and POMS were calculated. While acceptance was good, internal consistencies (omega = 0.65-0.79) and factor structure of the original four subscales were not acceptable (TLI = 0.87, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.071). EFA indicated a 3-factor solution, which was not confirmed by CFA (TLI = 0.89, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.073). Correlations between subscales and bi-factor analyses indicated an underlying general factor (TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.053). A shortened 6-item version was comparable to the original scale. Age and sex-specific representative norm-values are presented. The MZQ is a feasible, reliable and valid self-report instrument to measure representations of inner mental states. However, when applied to non-clinical samples, the total score of the MZQ should be used.
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