Factor Structure of the Center for Epidemiology Scale in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are as vulnerable to depression as their typically developing peers. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in individuals with intellectual disabilities and determine whether the scale is appropriate for screening them.

Data obtained from 275 participants from Korea's Disabled People's Development Institute were analysed. The measure used 11 items from the CES-D. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's α of internal consistency reliability were employed for examining validity and reliability.

Cronbach's α of total scale was 0.860. Cronbach's α of the subscales was 0.842 in depressive affect, 0.647 in positive affect, 0.783 in somatic/vegetative symptoms and 0.837 in interpersonal problems. Bifactor and four-factor structures were verified using confirmatory factor analysis.

The validity and reliability of the CES-D-11 for individuals with intellectual disabilities were verified. Results indicated the cut-off and subscale scores.