Methodology

The Instituto Cactus-Atlas Mental Health Index reflects, in a single number, the general state of mental health of the Brazilian population, allowing its evolution to be monitored over time and comparisons to be made with other countries. Based on these objectives, the index was compiled according to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).

This research carried out a factor analysis study, which identified three sets of responses correlated with the GHQ-12. For the purposes here, we will call these dimensions Confidence, Vitality and Focus.

Confidence reflects individuals’ self-esteem and self-confidence about their role in society,

Vitality reflects individuals’ willingness and ability to act to overcome the challenges and adversities of everyday life, as well as the psychological suffering associated with them and their psychological distress when faced with them.

Focus reflects individuals’ ability to relate to their surroundings in a productive way, being able to concentrate, make decisions and carry out their day-to-day activities.

The three dimensions have equal weight within the iCASM and should be read together in a complementary manner for a broader view of the psychological well-being of a population. For a complete picture of mental health, it is important that these indicators be read in conjunction with the social contexts and structures in which the respective groups studied are embedded.

Methodology for calculating and interpreting the iCASM

THe iCASM The iCASM is calculated on a scale between 0 and 1000 points and represents the simple average of the results in each of its three dimensions: Confidence, Vitality and Focus. The iCASM can be estimated at the individual level and, based on averages, at the level of groups and society as a whole.

At the individual level, a score close to one thousand would be associated with the maximum amount of focus, vitality and confidence that a person can declare in the context of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).

At a societal level, a score close to one thousand would correspond to a situation in which all people reported this maximum level. At the opposite pole, a score close to zero would correspond to a situation of complete loss of confidence, vitality and focus for all members of society. However, these two extremes are theoretical constructs, as it is difficult to imagine that a situation of extreme stress or perfect harmony could ever be achieved by everyone in a given moment.

The iCASM makes it possible to monitor the mental health of the population in a systematic and global manner, informing decision-makers and society as a whole about a phenomenon that is crucial to our society, but so little addressed in the public space.

It is important to emphasize that iCASM is not a clinical diagnosis. At both the level of the individual and of society, the psychometric approach needs to be understood as an anchor for analysis and prediction, not as a deterministic and definitive diagnosis. The iCASM does not claim to be conclusive about a single definition of mental health, which, by its nature, would involve the discussion of various other individual and structural components. The iCASM is intended to be a tool that, due to its recurrence and granularity of information, can, in an unprecedented way, anchor the development of initiatives and public policies to strengthen mental health care for the population, as well as guiding academic research and innovation in this field.