Development and validation of the multidimensional Fear of Depression Recurrence Questionnaire (FoDRQ)

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) has high recurrence rates, yet factors influencing relapse remain unclear.
• Fear of experiencing another major depressive episode (MDE) may contribute to recurrence risk through cognitive and behavioral changes.
• No validated tools currently exist to measure fears of depression recurrence (FoDR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a self-report questionnaire to measure fears of depression recurrence (FoDR).
• To assess the psychometric properties of the new scale in a sample of individuals remitted from MDD.

Main Methods:

• A 24-item self-report questionnaire, the Fear of Depression Recurrence Questionnaire (FoDRQ), was developed.
• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on separate samples (N=552).
• Reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and validity (convergent, divergent) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The FoDRQ demonstrated a three-factor structure (severity, content, triggers) with excellent internal consistency and composite reliability.
• Acceptable test-retest reliability and strong convergent and divergent validity were confirmed.
• FoDRQ scores significantly predicted experiential avoidance and mental health self-management.

Conclusions:

• The FoDRQ is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring fears of depression recurrence.
• This scale can be utilized to investigate the impact of FoDR on MDD outcomes, recurrence, and coping strategies.
• Further research can use the FoDRQ to explore the relationship between FoDR and MDD relapse prevention.