Comparison of factor structure models for the Beck Depression Inventory--II

Psychol Assess. 2006 Mar;18(1):81-8. doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.18.1.81.

Abstract

Factor analyses of the Beck Depression Inventory--II (A. T. Beck, R. A. Steer, & G. K. Brown, 1996) have frequently produced 2 different 2-factor oblique structures. The author used confirmatory factor analyses to compare these structures with a general-factor model with 2 orthogonal group factors. The general-factor model fit as well as or better than the 2-factor models when applied to item data from previous studies (3 clinical and 2 college samples). Communalities associated with the General Depression factor ranged from 71% to 82%. Cognitive and Somatic group factors were indicative of intropunitiveness and fatigue. It was concluded that the general-factor model gives an acceptable empirical explanation of item covariance structure and offers a conceptual interpretation that is well suited to clinical practice and research.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*