The Four-Item Mentalising Index (FIMI): A multinational validation of the Arabic version in 12 countries
Year: 2024
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The lack of sound measures to assess mentalising in Arabic-speaking adults is a significant gap that can substantially constrain understanding of the expression and difficulties in the mentalising processes across the lifespan in the Arab world, and of the cross-cultural. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the FIMI in a multi-national sample of non-clinical adults. Methods: A sample of 8,408 adults (74.5% females, mean age 24.70 ± 8.44 years) from the general population of twelve Arab countries was surveyed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic FIMI. Results: CFA indicated that fit of the one-factor model of FIMI scores was excellent: RMSEA = .035 (90% CI .023, .048), SRMR = .012, CFI = .996, TLI = .989, and had adequate internal consistency reliability (ω = .68; α = .65). Indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across sex and country groups. Finally, correlational analyses provided support for construct validity of the Arabic-language version of the FIMI, by showing significant positive correlations between mentalising and self-reported autistic traits scores. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Arabic FIMI is valid, reliable ad suitable for use among Arabic-speaking adults. The scale may raise awareness among clinicians and researchers of the possibilities to easily and accurately assess mentalising in order to enable the development, testing and monitoring of tailored Mentalising-based treatments aimed at addressing impaired mentalising and managing a range of mental disorders in Arab settings.
Source: Research Square
Authors: Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Amira Mohammed Ali, Amthal Alhuwailah, Fouad Sakr, Leila Sarra Chaibi, Mai Helmy, Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed Shuwiekh, Nedjem Eddine Boudouda, Btissame Zarrouq, Abdallah Y Naser, Esra’ O. Taybeh, Kamel Jebreen, Mohammed Lakhdar Roubi, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Nisma Merdad, Rizwana Amin, Inad Nawajah, Ali Haider Mohammed, Sinan Subhi Farhan, Omar Abdulwahid AlAni, Mariam Dabbous, Diana Malaeb, Sahar Obeid, Majda Cheour, Punit Shah, Souheil Hallit
Institutions: Tunis El Manar University, Alexandria University, Kuwait University, Lebanese International University, Sultan Qaboos University, Fayoum University, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Isra University, Isra University, An-Najah National University, University of Bahrain, Alrafidain University College, Effat University, Hebron University, Monash University Malaysia, Gulf Medical University, Lebanese American University, University of Bath, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4402019262