Factor analysis of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale

Psychol Rep. 1995 Feb;76(1):40-2. doi: 10.2466/pr0.1995.76.1.40.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Northern Ireland / epidemiology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results