Related Experiment Videos
Factor analysis of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale
Psychological Reports
|February 1, 1995
Summary
This study examined the factor structure of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale in students. Results identified four factors, largely confirming previous research on depression assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Mental health research
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) is widely used for population surveys.
- A previous study by Thorson and Powell (1993) suggested a 5-factor structure for the CES-D.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the 5-factor solution of the CES-D reported by Thorson and Powell.
- To investigate the factor structure of the CES-D in a student population.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis with varimax rotation was employed.
- Data were collected from 187 students.
Main Results:
- The analysis yielded a 4-factor solution for the CES-D.
- The identified factors were: depressed affect, somatic disturbance, positive affect, and interpersonal difficulties.
- These findings did not replicate the 5-factor model but largely confirmed prior research.
Conclusions:
- The factor structure of the CES-D in this student sample differs from the 5-factor model.
- The results support the generalizability of previous findings on the CES-D's structure in assessing depression.