Validation of a Brief Questionnaire Measuring Positive Mindset in Patients With Uveitis

• Published in: Psychology, community & health community & health, 2014-03, Vol.3 (1), p.1-10
• Main Authors: Barry, John A., Folkard, Annie, Ayliffe, William
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2182-438X; 2182-438X
• DOI: 10.5964/pch.v3i1.76

Aim Illness may impact the positivity of a person's mindset. However, patients with visual impairment, such as uveitis, may struggle to complete questionnaires. The aim of this study was to validate a brief and simple measure of positive mindset in people with uveitis. Method This study was a cross-sectional survey of 200 people with uveitis. The Positive Mindset Index (PMI) questionnaire uses six items to measure a patient's happiness, confidence, sense of being in control, stability, motivation, and optimism. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting unidimensional factor structure ( KMO = .898), with strong factor loadings (from .616 to .721) and excellent internal reliability (Cronbach's α = .926). The PMI showed strong concurrent validity with the mental health subscale of the SF-36 ( r = .789) and good construct validity relative to the physical health subscale of the SF-36 ( r = .468). Excellent test-retest reliability was seen ( r = .806). Patients taking 10 mg or more corticosteroid daily had significantly lower PMI scores than those on a lower dose or no dose ( t (170) = 2.298, p < .023). Conclusion The PMI has good face validity and sound psychometric properties. It is a very brief and simple measure, thus user-friendly for patients with visual impairment, as well as researchers and others using the scale.