Abstract

BILBAO, Itziar et al. Preliminary Validation of the Method for Evaluation of Mentalization in the Interpersonal Context (MEMIC). Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2016, vol.36, n.130, pp.383-404. ISSN 2340-2733.

The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary validation of an instrument designed to assess mentalization in adults (Method for Evaluation of Mentalization in the Interpersonal Context, MEMIC). A sample of 97 students (72% women) and a sample of 10 patients (50% women) participated in the study. They completed the MEMIC and some other measures of empathy, theory of mind and attachment. The results of the factor analysis suggested a two-dimensional structure (mentalizing thoughts/mentalizing feelings and several other mental states that underlie behavior) that explained 75,26% of the variance. The internal consistency was high, and inter-rater reliability was adequate. Regarding validity, the total score of the instrument showed high correlations with reflective function scores, and significant correlations with empathy, attachment and theory of mind. Furthermore, it showed capacity to differentiate patients with borderline personality disorder from the general population.

Keywords : mentalization; reflective function; evaluation; mental states; thoughts; feelings; attachment; adults.

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