Reliability of the depression adjective check lists.

Area of Science:

• Psychological assessment
• Clinical psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL) are widely used to measure depressive symptoms.
• Previous research has established the reliability of earlier versions of the DACL.
• Set 2 (Forms E, F, G) requires further reliability validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and extend previous findings on the reliability of the Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL) Set 2.
• To evaluate the alternate form, split-half, and test-retest reliability of DACL Set 2.
• To examine reliability for both complete and half-list versions of the DACL.

Main Methods:

• Data were collected from 172 college students (93 males, 79 females; mean age = 24.3 years).
• Alternate form, split-half, and test-retest reliability were assessed for DACL Set 2 (Forms E, F, G).
• Reliability analyses were conducted on complete lists and "half lists" (two columns).

Main Results:

• The study found good alternate form reliability for DACL Set 2.
• Split-half and test-retest reliability were also found to be adequate for the complete lists.
• Reliability estimates for the "half lists" were consistent with those for the complete lists.

Conclusions:

• Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL) Set 2 demonstrates satisfactory reliability.
• The findings support the use of DACL Set 2 in research and clinical practice.
• Both complete and half-list formats of DACL Set 2 are reliable measures of depressive symptoms.