Frimpong, S; Sunindijo, R Y; Wang, C C; Hon, C K H; Boadu, E F and Dansoh, A (2025) Developing and validating a positive mental health scale for the global south construction industry: The construction industry positive mental health inventory (CI-pmhi). Construction Innovation, 25(1), pp. 78-103. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Promoting positive mental health is increasingly being encouraged as the focus of research and policies on the mental health of construction personnel. Most measures of mental health, however, typically use negative indicators such as depression and anxiety and are not specifically developed for the construction workforce, especially those with a Global South background. These limitations have made it challenging to measure construction personnel's positive mental health. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop a scale for measuring the positive mental health of construction personnel with a Global South background. Design/methodology/approach: Guided by Keyes' two-continua model of mental health, the study objectives were addressed through a mixed-methods study using the case of Ghana. Qualitative data collected from eight key stakeholder groups using 16 interviews and two rounds of focus group discussions were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were obtained through a survey of 425 construction personnel and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed a four-dimensional structure of positive mental health, namely, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis of the results indicated good instrument validity and reliability. Originality/value: Existing measures of positive mental health are based on a three-dimensional model, i.e. emotional, social and psychological well-being. By including spiritual well-being, this study proposes a four-dimensional measurement model as a more comprehensive and promising measure to use in surveys of positive mental health among the construction workforce, especially those with a Global South background, and to develop suitable interventions for them.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; Ghana; Global South; mental health; positive mental health; spiritual well-being; questionnaire survey |
| Index terms: | confirmatory factor analysis, survey, construction personnel, focus group, interview, questionnaire, anxiety, thematic analysis, methodology, well-being, correlation analysis, Ghana, validity, depression, inventory, mental health, construction industry |
| Subjects: | inventory management, Geography, research methods, evaluation and assessment methods, methods and analysis, industry analysis, statistical analysis, health conditions and diseases, data collection methods, workforce, mental health and wellbeing |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Human Resources, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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