Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Mentalizing Emotions Questionnaire.

Abstract

Objective: The Mentalizing Emotions Questionnaire (MEQ) assesses individuals' capacity to perceive, understand, and communicate emotional states across three dimensions: Self, Communicating, and Other. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the MEQ. Method : Two independent samples of Iranian adults participated in this research (total N = 785; 71% female). Study 1 (N = 307) conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the underlying structure of the scale. Study 2 (N = 478) performed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the three-factor model. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity were also assessed using established measures of mentalization, empathy, alexithymia, emotional beliefs, personality functioning, and emotion regulation. Results: The original three-factor structure (Self, Communicating, Other) was supported. Model fit indices indicated adequate-to-good fit (CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.05, CMIN/df = 3.74). The Persian MEQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.82-0.90) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.89). Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations with mentalization and empathy measures (r = 0.20-0.35). Divergent validity was evidenced by negative correlations with alexithymia (r = -0.39), maladaptive emotional beliefs (r = -0.34), and personality functioning impairments (r = -0.31). Difficulty Describing Feelings showed a strong negative association with the Communicating dimension (r = -0.43). Cognitive reappraisal demonstrated a negative association with emotional mentalizing (r = -0.29). Conclusion: The Persian version of the MEQ demonstrates strong reliability and validity for assessing the mentalizing emotions in nonclinical Iranian populations. The findings also suggest potential cultural variations in the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and mentalizing emotions warranting further cross-cultural investigation.