Psychometric Properties of the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-Scale) in Peruvian Nursing Professionals

Abstract

Introduction Positive mental health is a relevant protective construct for nursing professionals, who are frequently exposed to high emotional and occupational demands. However, brief and psychometrically sound instruments for assessing positive mental health in Peruvian nursing personnel remain limited. Objectives To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-Scale) in Peruvian nursing professionals. Method Instrumental, quantitative, cross-sectional, and non-experimental study with 328 participants. The internal structure was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Invariance was measured by sex, participation in religious activities, and the type of psychological care received. Convergent validity was examined in relation to optimism, life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Results The one-dimensional model showed adequate fit (CFI = .978; TLI = .971; RMSEA = .072; SRMR = .027); Internal consistency was high (α = .93; ω = .94). Configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance were sustained in the groups analyzed (ΔCFI ≤ .01). Correlations supported convergent validity (expected direction with optimism and life satisfaction; negative with anxiety and depression). Conclusions The PMH-Scale is a concise, valid, and reliable instrument for screening for positive mental health in clinical environments characterized by high emotional demands, such as nursing. Its application can facilitate prompt monitoring and inform evidence-based interventions.