Psychometric evaluation of a self-report scale to measure adolescent depression: The CESDR-10 in two national adolescent samples in the United States

Background There is a need for brief instruments to screen for depression in adolescents that are valid, reliable and freely available. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of a 10-item version of the CESD-R (CESDR-10) in two national adolescent samples. Methods Sample 1 consisted of N=3777 youths (mean age 15.7) and Sample 2 contained N=1150 adolescents (mean age 14.5). We performed confirmatory factor analysis, evaluated construct validity, examined differential item functioning, and assessed internal consistency reliability (α). Results The results suggest generally strong psychometric properties for the CESDR-10. The CFA 1-factor model showed good model fit. Construct validity was partially supported in Sample 1 and mostly supported for Sample 2 based upon the characteristics examined. The CESDR-10 showed configural and metric invariance across both samples and full measurement invariance across sex. There were no notable differences in discrimination parameters or clinically significant differential item functioning between samples or sexes. Limitations Criterion related validity was not assessed in this study. Further studies should evaluate the scale in comparison to a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, this study utilized a web-based format of administration which may influence participants' answers. In future studies, the CESDR-10 should be administered in other settings to more thoroughly establish its generalizability. Conclusion In clinical and non-clinical settings alike, time pressures make the availability of brief but valid screening measures critical. Findings support future use of the CESDR-10.