Factor structure of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12): The role of wording effects

Although the GHQ-12 was designed as a unidimensional scale, two- and three-factor models have been frequently reported. The purposes of this study are: (a) to examine whether wording effects play a role in the multidimensionality of the GHQ-12 and (b) to explore the substantive meaning of wording effects. Confirmatory factor analyses of the data from 348 Chinese university students showed that the GHQ-12 measured a unidimensional construct representing general mental health, when wording effects were controlled. The substantive meaning of the general factor and the method factor is further discussed based on their correlations with a series of personality and well-being measures.