Reliability and validity of mental health measurement of young people in a Chinese urban context

Globally, there is increasing attention on mental health promotion for young people because of its great public health and social significance. The scarcity of suitable mental health measures for young people underscores the urgent need for tailored interventions to address their unique mental health challenges. This study explores the reliability and validity of the self-rated mental health measurement scale (SRMHS) for assessing Chinese youth mental health in an urban context in China, addressing a critical research gap in culturally and contextually appropriate mental health measurement instruments. The study responds to the global demand for valid and reliable health data to support mental well-being initiatives. Utilizing a sample of 3,279 participants aged 14–35 years, the study employed rigorous statistical analyses, including Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and tests for convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity, to evaluate the scale’s psychometric properties. Results confirm a three-dimensional structure of the mental health scale, encompassing positive emotion, psychosocial symptoms and negative emotion, and cognitive function, demonstrating good internal consistency, reliability, and validity. Subgroup consistency categorized across gender, age, and social identity was examined, and the significant correlations between mental health scores with relevant psychological outcomes showed good concurrent validity, indicating the effectiveness of SRMHS in capturing a broad spectrum of psychological states relevant to youth development. Findings highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to mental health assessment, reflecting global advocacy for recognizing mental well-being as not merely the absence of illness, but also the presence of positive psychological states. This study significantly contributes to the field by providing a scientifically robust and culturally sensitive tool for assessing youth mental health in China, and promotes a more inclusive and holistic approach to mental health research and practice globally. The results of this study could benefit policy-making, targeted interventions, and the overall improvement of youth mental well-being.