Factor analysis of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale

The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale is one of the most popular instruments for survey work with the general population. A 1993 study by Thorson and Powell reported a 5-factor solution. The present study was undertaken to replicate these findings; however, factor analysis with varimax rotation based on the responses of 187 students yielded 4 factors of depressed affect, somatic disturbance, positive affect, and interpersonal difficulties. Although these data do not replicate the 5-factor work of Thorson and Powell, they do largely confirm the previous research.