Confirmatory factor analysis of the depressive cognition scale

Area of Science:

• Psychological assessment
• Clinical psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Depressive cognitions are key features of depression.
• Validated instruments are crucial for accurate assessment.
• The Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS) requires validation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the single-factor structure of the Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS).
• To assess the reliability and validity of the DCS in the U.S. general population.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 629 adults from 42 U.S. states participated.
• Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the single-factor structure.
• Model fit indices (e.g., CFI, RMSEA) were evaluated against established criteria.

Main Results:

• All model fit measures exceeded recommended criteria, indicating a good fit.
• Specific fit indices included χ(2)/df = 2.57, GFI = .98, AGFI = .96, CFI = .99, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .05, RMR = .01, and P-close fit = .464.
• The DCS demonstrated strong psychometric properties.

Conclusions:

• The single-factor structure of the DCS is validated for the U.S. general population.
• The DCS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring depressive cognitions.
• Findings support the use of the DCS in clinical and research settings.