Adaptation of Nussbaum's Capabilities Framework to Community Mental Health: A Consumer‐Based Capabilities Measure. Issue 1 (3rd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sacchetto, Beatrice; Ornelas, José; Calheiros, Maria Manuela; Shinn, Marybeth
• Is Part Of: American journal of community psychology. Volume 61:Issue 1/2(2018)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2018-01-03
• Subjects: Contextualized capabilities -- Nussbaum's list -- Adaptation -- Community mental health -- Measure -- Psychometric properties; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Community mental health services -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; Community Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-0562

Abstract

Abstract: The capabilities approach provides a rich evaluative framework to guide transformative change in the community mental health system. This study reports the content and construct validity and psychometric properties of a contextualized measure of the extent to which mental health programs foster achieved capabilities. The Achieved Capabilities Questionnaire for Community Mental Health (ACQ‐CMH), adapted from Nussbaum's capabilities framework, was developed previously with consumer collaboration. Content validity was assessed through a collaborative process, involving a panel of eight consumers, staff members, and senior researchers. The resulting shorter version (ACQ‐CMH‐98) was completed by 332 community mental health consumers sampled throughout Portugal. Factor (PCA) analysis, internal consistency reliability, and test–retest reliability over 2 weeks ( N = 33) showed good psychometric properties. The resulting six‐factor structure with 48 items explains 48.88% of the total variance (KMO = 0.89; Bartlett p = .00). Internal consistency of the obtained dimensions ranges from .91 to .76. Associations of the measure with recovery, quality of life, and psychological distress scales add further evidence of construct validity. The adaptation of Nussbaum's framework stressed specific components that may enhance understanding and change within the community mental health system. Highlights: Nussbaum's capabilities approach is considered an innovative framework for community mental health. The adaptation and validation of a measure inspired on Nussbaum's approach is presented. Collaborative methods are employed to study the content validity, ensuring cultural sensitivity. Psychometric analysis presented contextualized dimensions and indicators, refining the measure. The ACQ‐CMH seeks orienting community mental health programs, contributing for transformative change.