Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ)

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to adapt the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ), which evaluates the mentalizing function, into Turkish in an adolescent sample and to conduct validity and reliability studies. The sample of the research consisted of 550 participants aged 14-18 in Istanbul. The data for the study were collected using the Mentalization Questionnaire, the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Brief Symptom Inventory Depression and Anxiety subscales. For validity, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity studies were carried out; internal consistency coefficient and item analysis methods were used for reliability. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis or the construct validity of the MZQ, it was determined that the original four-factor structure was valid. The values obtained for the measurement model after correction were calculated as (χ2/df=2.57, GFI=0.95, CFI=0.85, AGFI=0.93, RMSEA=0.054, and sRMR=.047) and it was determined that almost all values met the good fit criteria. Correlations ranging from 0.30 to -0.64 were obtained between the MZQ and the scales used in the convergent validity study. In addition, it was determined that the scale was able to distinguish between groups that needed psychological help and those that did not, and that it explained approximately 41% and 30% of the variance in the depression and anxiety subscales, respectively. Within the scope of the reliability study, the Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients were calculated and determined as .78 for the whole scale. The findings provided support that the MZQ has a four-factor structure with 15 items and can be used as a valid and reliable measurement tool, especially in assessing total mentalization.

Keywords

• mentalization questionnaire
• validity
• reliability