This study evaluated the dimensionality, invariance, and reliability of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) within and across Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United States ( N = 2,580) in college student samples. We used confirmatory factor analyses to compare the fit of four different factor structures of the DASS-21: a unidimensional model, a three-correlated-factors model, a higher order model, and a bifactor model. The bifactor model, with three specific factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) and one general factor (general distress), presented the best fit within each country. We also calculated ancillary bifactor indices of model-based dimensionality of the DASS-21 and model-based reliability to further examine the validity of the composite total and subscale scores and the use of unidimensional modeling. Results suggested the DASS-21 can be used as a unidimensional scale. Finally, measurement invariance of the best fitting model was tested across countries indicating configural invariance. The traditional three-correlated-factors model presented scalar invariance across Canada, Hong Kong, Romania, Taiwan, and the United States. Overall, these analyses indicate that the DASS-21 would best be used as a general score of distress rather than three separate factors of depression, anxiety, and stress, in the countries studied.

Stigma is an important barrier to seeking psychological services worldwide. Two types of stigma exist: public stigma and self-stigma. Scholars have argued that public stigma leads to self-stigma, and then self-stigma is the primary

The major focus of this study was to examine attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in relation to some demographic variables, self-esteem, and depression. Three hundred and fifty undergraduate students enrolled at UAE University completed measures of attitudes toward seeking professional help (ASPPH), self-esteem, and depression. Demographic information was also obtained. Factor analysis of the ASPPH scale revealed three moderately internally consistent factors: 1) Confidence in Professional Help Providers, 2) Stigma Tolerance, and 3) Interpersonal Openness. Participants who were in senior years and in art-related majors showed more tolerance to stigma and more confidence in psychological help providers. High self-esteem and low depression correlated significantly with confidence in psychological help providers and stigma tolerance. Findings are discussed in the light of previous studies and the UAE culture.Research on college students' problems and needs has indicated that students are likely to encounter psychological problems during their college years for which they are in need of professional help (e.g.

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The relationship between congruence in client-counselor expectations for relationship and ratings of working alliance was examined. Participants from 25 counseling dyads completed revised versions of the Psychotherapy Expectancy Inventory (J. I. Berzins, 1971) and the Working Alliance Inventory (A. O. Horvath & L. Greenberg, 1989) after the 3rd session. Correlational analyses revealed that counselor expectations for relationship were related to counselor working alliance ratings and that client expectations for relationship were related to client working alliance ratings. Multiple regression analyses showed that congruence in expectations for relationship was related to most aspects of counselor and client working alliance ratings, after controlling for expectations for relationship. Implications are discussed.