Turkish version of the Self-Assessment Scale of Basic Mental Health Action Competencies: A Methodological Study
1
1 Department of Public Health Nursing, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
2
2 Department of Nursing, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, Turkey
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Adolescent mental health is a global priority, with one in seven individuals aged 10–19 experiencing mental health disorders(1). Mental health promotion also focuses on individuals developing competencies that support their well-being, including self-care, early help-seeking, and peer support. Since subjective perceptions can directly influence health-related behaviors and the likelihood of seeking assistance, it is important to assess perceived competencies. Despite this relevance, no validated instrument exists to measure such action-oriented competencies among Turkish adolescents. This study aims to adapt the Self-Assessment Scale of Basic Mental Health Action Competencies (Basic-MAC)(2) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties.
METHODS:
This methodological study will be conducted in Istanbul/Türkiye, with approximately 330 high school students. The adaptation process followed the International Test Commission guidelines for forward-backward translation. Cognitive interviews were conducted with adolescents, and the Turkish version of the scale was sent to 14 experts with various backgrounds for content validity. After conducting a pilot study for instrument's preliminary psychometric properties, the main data will be collected using a Sociodemographic form, the Basic-MAC scale, and the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents to test criterion validity. Construct validity will be examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Reliability will be assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest correlation over a two-week interval.
RESULTS:
The study is in its initial phase, with translation and content validity stages completed. Content Validity Index calculated as 0.93. The Turkish version is expected to confirm the original four-factor structure (knowledge, self-care, interpersonal relationships, and mental health first aid) and demonstrate high internal consistency and temporal stability. Data collection is planned to be completed by April 2026.
CONCLUSIONS:
Once validated, the Turkish Basic-MAC scale will provide a psychometrically sound instrument for identifying adolescents’ educational needs and evaluating school-based mental health initiatives in Türkiye, supporting efforts to strengthen youth mental health competencies.
Adolescent mental health is a global priority, with one in seven individuals aged 10–19 experiencing mental health disorders(1). Mental health promotion also focuses on individuals developing competencies that support their well-being, including self-care, early help-seeking, and peer support. Since subjective perceptions can directly influence health-related behaviors and the likelihood of seeking assistance, it is important to assess perceived competencies. Despite this relevance, no validated instrument exists to measure such action-oriented competencies among Turkish adolescents. This study aims to adapt the Self-Assessment Scale of Basic Mental Health Action Competencies (Basic-MAC)(2) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties.
METHODS:
This methodological study will be conducted in Istanbul/Türkiye, with approximately 330 high school students. The adaptation process followed the International Test Commission guidelines for forward-backward translation. Cognitive interviews were conducted with adolescents, and the Turkish version of the scale was sent to 14 experts with various backgrounds for content validity. After conducting a pilot study for instrument's preliminary psychometric properties, the main data will be collected using a Sociodemographic form, the Basic-MAC scale, and the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents to test criterion validity. Construct validity will be examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Reliability will be assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest correlation over a two-week interval.
RESULTS:
The study is in its initial phase, with translation and content validity stages completed. Content Validity Index calculated as 0.93. The Turkish version is expected to confirm the original four-factor structure (knowledge, self-care, interpersonal relationships, and mental health first aid) and demonstrate high internal consistency and temporal stability. Data collection is planned to be completed by April 2026.
CONCLUSIONS:
Once validated, the Turkish Basic-MAC scale will provide a psychometrically sound instrument for identifying adolescents’ educational needs and evaluating school-based mental health initiatives in Türkiye, supporting efforts to strengthen youth mental health competencies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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