Factorial and discriminant validity of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale

J Clin Psychol. 1986 Jan;42(1):28-33. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(198601)42:1<28::aid-jclp2270420104>3.0.co;2-t.

Abstract

The factorial and discriminant validity of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale was examined for a sample of 116 parents who were participating in family support programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. Participants' self-reports of depressive symptoms as measured by the CES-D were analyzed in relation to their self-esteem (measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale) and state and trait anxiety (measured with Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Factorial validity was adequate, and results indicated a moderate correlation between the CES-D and self-esteem and state anxiety. However, a high correlation was obtained between the CES-D and trait anxiety, which suggests that the CES-D measures in large part the related conceptual psychological domain of predisposition for anxiousness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory*
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Concept
  • Statistics as Topic