Rasch analysis of the Mental Health Recovery Measure

Consumer-oriented recovery among people with mental illness has been discussed for more than two decades, but few reliable and valid recovery measurements are currently available. This study used Rasch methods to assess the Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM). Participants were 156 adults with mental illness who lived in the community. After the Rasch analyses, the MHRM was modified to a 26-item measure with a 4-point Likert scale. Unidimensionality was confirmed for the revised MHRM, and it also showed proper rating scale functioning and high reliability. The revised MHRM is sufficient to assess only those in the initial and middle stages of recovery. More high-recovery-level items are needed to assess people in a high-recovery stage. Occupational therapists can use the revised MHRM in future quantitative studies and program evaluation.