Validation of the Korean Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised in Korean...

The Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (K-CESD-R) is widely used in community epidemiology studies to screen depressive symptoms, given its proven reliability in diverse populations. However, it has not yet been validated in Korean adolescents. Therefore, this study validated and standardized the K-CESD-R for use in Korean adolescents.

Data were collected from 2,419 adolescents aged 12-17 years in educational institutions across Daedeok District, Daejeon, South Korea. To evaluate reliability, the internal consistency of the K-CESD-R was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity was tested through Pearson correlation analysis of established scales, and construct validity was assessed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

The K-CESD-R had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.934). Correlation analyses supported strong concurrent validity with other depression scales, although there was a negative correlation with the self-esteem scale. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure that explained 61.792% of the total variance. CFA of the K-CESD-R using a structural equation model affirmed the three-factor structure hypothesized in our EFA. The model fit indices demonstrated acceptable levels of fit, including Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.093, Comparative Fit Index=0.886, and Tucker-Lewis Index=0.871.

The K-CESD-R is a valid and reliable instrument for screening for depressive symptoms in Korean adolescents, supporting its use in epidemiological research and clinical settings. Further research should explore its applicability across Korean adolescent populations to confirm these findings.