The Four-Item Mentalising Index (FIMI): A multinational validation of the Arabic version in 12 countries

Abstract

Background: The lack of sound measures to assess mentalising in Arabic-speaking adults is a significant gap that can substantially constrain understanding of the expression and difficulties in the mentalising processes across the lifespan in the Arab world, and of the cross-cultural. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the FIMI in a multi-national sample of non-clinical adults. Methods: A sample of 8,408 adults (74.5% females, mean age 24.70 ± 8.44 years) from the general population of twelve Arab countries was surveyed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic FIMI. Results: CFA indicated that fit of the one-factor model of FIMI scores was excellent: RMSEA = .035 (90% CI .023, .048), SRMR = .012, CFI = .996, TLI = .989, and had adequate internal consistency reliability (ω = .68; α = .65). Indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across sex and country groups. Finally, correlational analyses provided support for construct validity of the Arabic-language version of the FIMI, by showing significant positive correlations between mentalising and self-reported autistic traits scores. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Arabic FIMI is valid, reliable ad suitable for use among Arabic-speaking adults. The scale may raise awareness among clinicians and researchers of the possibilities to easily and accurately assess mentalising in order to enable the development, testing and monitoring of tailored Mentalising-based treatments aimed at addressing impaired mentalising and managing a range of mental disorders in Arab settings.