Measuring cancer patients' psychological distress and well-being: A factoranalytic assessment of the mental health inventory

This study examined the psychometric structure of the Mental Health Invento ry (MHI) in 433 cancer patients. Using structural equation modeling, confir matory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted. Next, exploratory factor anal ysis (EFA) was used to explore an alternative MHI factor structure with a r andomly chosen subsample. Finally, CFAs were conducted on 6 MHI models with the second subsample. Convergent validity was examined by administering th e Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Dyadic Adjustment S cale (DAS). The CFAs with the original MHI factor, structure indicated inad equate fit, supporting the need to conduct an EFA. Results of the EFA indic ated support for a 5-factor solution but numerous differences in item facto r loadings. The CFA indicated that the 5-factor correlated model was the be st fitting model. Correlations between the PANAS and the DAS with the MHI p rovided preliminary support for the convergent validity of the MHI. Togethe r, these results indicate that the original MHI factor structure may requir e modification for use in patients with cancer.