Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38) in Elite Athletes

In this study، the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38) among elite athletes were investigated. A sample of 385 (285 male and 100 female) elite athletes was chosen by cluster random sampling. According to result of experimental factor analysis، one structure with 2 factors components was found which encompassed % 45/06 of the total variability of the data. Result of Confirmatory factor analysis supported two factor structures of mental health (including psychological distress and psychological well-being)، has a good fit. To calculate the convergence and divergence validity، the Iranian Mental Health Scale was administered. The convergent validity of psychological distress was confirmed by negative subscale of IMHS (0/58 to 0/78) and the divergent validity was confirmed by positive subscale of IMHS (-0/76 to -0/77). The convergent (0/82 to 0/84) and divergent (-0/57 to -0/77) validity of well-being was also confirmed. The internal consistency (0/83) and test-retest reliability after a 21 day interval (0/81) showed that the MHI possessed suitable reliability coefficients. Other findings of this study showed that the average scores of psychological distress in male athletes was significantly lower than female athletes، and the psychological well-being in male athletes were significantly higher than female athletes. Altogether، results of the present study showed that after deleting 7 items، the MHI had satisfactory reliability and validity and it is considered a suitable tool for measuring psychological distress and well-being in athletes.