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Publication
Measuring mental health literacy : Adaptation and validation of the portuguese version of the mental health literacy Scale (MHLS)
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Understanding mental health literacy is essential for promoting empowerment and proactivity in
patients, reducing stigma, and increasing population awareness. The constitutive dimensions of
mental health literacy are still being researched, and instruments’ research can shed light on the
involved processes. The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) is a self-report measure of mental
health literacy. This study aimed to adapt the MHLS to Portuguese and evaluate mental health literacy
in a broad sample. A broad sample of 337 individuals participated in the adaptation. Besides
filling out the MHLS, the participants were invited to fill out a general lifestyle measure. The
global results reveal a good internal consistency of the MHLS. A three-factor structure (i.e., attitudes
towards mental illness, knowledge about mental illness, and the ability to recognize symptoms)
explained 35% of the total variance. Despite not finding an association with the general
lifestyle measure, the MHLS scored higher in women and individuals with higher schooling, as
expected. The results reinforce the role of MHLS as a useful measure of mental health literacy.
The identified structure is discussed in light of the current understanding and implications of this
essential process.
Description
Keywords
Mental health literacy MHLS Stigma Mental disorders
Citation
Neto, D. D., Rocha, I., Figueiras, M. J. & Silva, A. N. da (2020). Measuring mental health literacy : Adaptation and validation of the portuguese version of the mental health literacy Scale (MHLS). European Journal of Mental Health, 16(1), 64-77 https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.16.2021.1.5
Publisher
Semmelweis University Institute of Mental Health