Assessing psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Israeli adults: a psychometric evaluation of the Hebrew version of the mental impact and distress scale

Abstract

The Mental Impact and Distress Scale: COVID-19 (MIDc) is a pandemic-specific screening tool of psychological responses and has been adapted in multiple languages across different countries. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the MIDc. An online survey was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 to recruit a convenience sample of 421 adults in Israel, who completed self-report measures on the MIDc, situational impact, well-being, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Factorial validity was assessed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in two random split-half subsamples. Convergent validity was evaluated with reference to situational impact, well-being, and psychological distress. Predictive validity was examined via receiver operating characteristics curve analysis to classify participants at risks of elevated stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Factor analyses supported a two-factor model for the 18-item MIDc in both subsamples with good reliability (ω = 0.85– 0.94) for anticipation (7 items) and modulation (11 items). Anticipation was significantly and positively associated with situational impact, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (r =.46– 0.58). Modulation displayed good diagnostic ability (area under curve = 0.89– 0.93; Youden index = 0.62– 0.73) with a cutoff score ≥ 21 of classifying elevated stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (sensitivity = 80.8% − 94.7%, specificity = 75.7% − 80.8%). The present findings support the Hebrew version of the MIDc as a reliable and valid measure of psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and have practical implications in monitoring the new normal in the Israeli context.