Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the mentalization questionnaire (MZQ) in individuals with depressive symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome
Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench,
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2 March 2026
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Page 1-15 (e17)
https://doi.org/10.22037/ghfbb.v19i01.3296
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) in Iranian patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depressive symptoms.
Background: Mentalization, rooted in psychodynamic theory, is defined as the capacity to perceive and interpret one’s own and others’ mental states (e.g., feelings, wishes, desires, and goals). Deficits in mentalization have been linked to various mental health problems. The MZQ is a self-report measure designed to assess impairments in mentalization.
Methods: A total of 245 patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and 931 individuals with depressive symptoms participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a cut-off score of ≥10 indicating clinically depressive symptoms. Validity was examined by assessing correlations between the MZQ factors and scores on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Symptom Checklist-14 (SCL-14), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8), and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine the factor structure.
Results: CFA supported a three-factor structure in the IBS sample and a four-factor structure in the depression sample. All fit indices were within or close to recommended cut-off values. The scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.798 in the IBS group and 0.675 in the depression group, indicating stronger reliability in the IBS sample.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the MZQ demonstrates acceptable validity and reliability in two distinct clinical populations, with slightly stronger psychometric properties observed in the IBS sample.
- Depression
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Mentalization
- Exploratory Factor Analysis
- Confirmatory Factor Analysis
- Convergent validity
- Discriminant validity
How to Cite
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