Validation of the short-cognitive inventory of subjective distress (S-CISD)

This investigation aimed to develop a screening tool based on the Cognitive Inventory of Subjective Distress (CISD). Two studies were designed in order to test the second-order factorial structure of the CISD, to shorten its length and to assess its replicability on a second large independent sample.

We recruited a first sample (n = 290) living at home or in retirement centers and a second community-based sample (n = 1,429). The first sample completed the original CISD as well as cognitive, autonomy, anxiety, and depression assessments. The second sample completed the Short-CISD (S-CISD).

Factor analyses supported a second-order factorial structure allowing to engage in a refinement of the scale. We retained seven items corresponding to a dimension of cognitive schemas. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the S-CISD exhibited satisfying psychometric properties as well as factorial replicability and structural invariance in two different samples. Further, the internal consistency of the S-CISD is acceptable.

The S-CISD is a relevant screening tool for rapidly assessing psychological distress. It is directed towards old and very old individuals either living at home or in a retirement center, while also taking into account the fatigability and potential cognitive impairment of this population. This screening tool can be confidently used for psychopathological assessment and can serve as a baseline for following patients over time or in the course of therapy.