Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Mentalizing Emotions Questionnaire

Ali Rahim Hallaj; Mohammad Reza Abedi; Mahdi  Rahmani Malek Abad; Azam Naghavi; Zahra Asgari; Lea Amelie Kasper

doi:10.18502/ijps.v21i2.21226

Ali Rahim Hallaj Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Mohammad Reza Abedi Department of Educational Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Mahdi Rahmani Malek Abad Department of Educational Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Azam Naghavi Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Zahra Asgari Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Lea Amelie Kasper Institute of Psychosocial Prevention, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v21i2.21226

Keywords: Assessment; Emotions; Mentalization; Psychometrics; Psychology

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.