BACKGROUND: Continuum beliefs of mental health and illness are robustly negatively correlated with mental illness stigma. However, there is a lack of multidimensional and validated measures, not entirely relying on vignettes. METHODS: To develop such a scale, a pool of 37 items adapted from other studies on continuum beliefs, was initially examined in expert discussions and a convenience sample (N = 227, M RESULTS: The scale comprises three subscales with three items, and one optional vignette-based item each, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. It showed very good factorial and discriminant validity, associations with stigma were moderately negative. The scale exhibited good test-retest reliability over a period of six months. CONCLUSIONS: A validated, practical, multifaceted measure is offered to evaluate beliefs regarding the continuum of mental health and illness. Future studies should conduct subgroup-specific investigations regarding sociodemographic and illness variables, and could apply this measure to anti-stigma interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023557. Registered 11/12/2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1264-9954. Registered 16/02/2021.