Validation of the Italian version of the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) in a sample of adolescents

Abstract Background Depression is a prevalent and often persistent mental disorder, with onset frequently occurring during adolescence and associated with serious long-term consequences. Consequently, the availability of valid, age-appropriate, and easily administered screening instruments is essential. The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is a widely used tool, available in multiple languages, for the screening of depressive symptoms in young people. Although an Italian version of the SMFQ has already been used in previous studies, it has not yet undergone formal validation. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian SMFQ, assess measurement invariance (MI) across sex and age, and provide preliminary normative data. Methods A sample of 580 adolescents (317 males, 263 females), aged 14–20 years, completed the Italian SMFQ along with additional instruments to assess validity: the Personality Assessment Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for convergent validity, and the Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale for divergent validity. Analyses focused on dimensionality, measurement invariance, reliability, and validity. Results As regards dimensionality, both one- and two-factor models showed adequate fit, with the two-factor model showing better fit. MI analyses supported full invariance across age for the 13-item version and partial invariance across sex. The 12-item version (excluding item 6) achieved full invariance across both sex and age. The scale showed good internal consistency and good convergent and divergent validity. Finally, given the significant effects of sex and age, normative data were computed as a function of both factors. Conclusions The Italian SMFQ demonstrated excellent psychometric properties for assessing depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, its use for clinical diagnostic purposes requires further validation through clinical studies.