Web-Based Measure of Life Events Using Computerized Life Events and Assessment Record (CLEAR): Preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Life event checklists face criticism, and interviews are costly.
• A sophisticated yet user-friendly measure is needed for life event research and clinical practice.
• The Computerized Life Events and Assessment Record (CLEAR) was developed based on the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and validity of CLEAR.
• To assess CLEAR's association with depression.
• To determine CLEAR's utility in research and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• 328 participants (students and a midlife sample including controls and recurrent depression cases) completed CLEAR, the General Health Questionnaire, and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q).
• Test-retest reliability of CLEAR was assessed over 3-4 weeks.
• Validity was determined by comparing CLEAR with LEDS and LTE-Q, and both CLEAR and LTE-Q were examined in relation to depression.

Main Results:

• CLEAR showed good test-retest reliability for overall and severe life events, and long-term problems.
• CLEAR's severe life events demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity compared to LEDS and LTE-Q.
• CLEAR severe life events and long-term problems were significantly associated with depression (OR 3.50 and 3.38, respectively), unlike LTE-Q events.

Conclusions:

• CLEAR possesses acceptable reliability and validity.
• CLEAR effectively predicts depression, indicating its potential for identifying stress-related factors.
• CLEAR is suitable for research and clinical practice in understanding depression onset and maintenance.