A multidimensional measure of participation for adults with serious mental illnesses

The aims of this study were to (1) construct a multidimensional measure of participation (the Community Participation Domains Measure (CPDM)) based on a conceptual model of participation and (2) test the construct validity of the CPDM in adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI).

The sample consisted of 235 adults with SMI who completed the Temple University Community Participation Measure (TUCP), Community Participation Indicators (CPIs), Colorado Symptom Index (CSI), along with other scales. A conceptual model, descriptive analysis and expert reviews were employed to select a subset of items to include in the measure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis were used to test the item and model fit for each scale.

Based on the conceptual model, the items of the CPDM were divided into three domains: Productive Activities, Social Participation and Recreation/Leisure. This 3-factor model showed good model-fit (CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.933, RMSEA = 0.048) in CFA and good item-fit in Rasch analysis.

The CPDM is a validated measure that can be used to assess levels of participation in adults with SMI.

Participation is an important goal and rehabilitation outcome indicator for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI). Participation is a multidimensional concept, which includes three distinct domains: Productive Activities, Social Participation and Community Activities. The Community Participation Domains Measure (CPDM) is a valid measure that can be used to assess the multidimensional construct of participation in adults with SMI.