Psychometric properties of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)

While there are data supporting the content and construct validity of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the evidence regarding its reliability is not conclusive. For the purpose of exploring the psychometric properties of the SDS, two studies were done using Ss from two markedly different socio-cultural settings: 213 male and female drug addicts in New York City and 206 male and female undergraduates in Nigeria. Findings included high coefficient alphas and large average item-correlations (total minus item) in both studies. It was concluded that the SDS rates well in terms of internal consistency reliability and construct validity.