Measurement invariance of the depressive symptoms scale during adolescence

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined (1) the factor structure of a depressive symptoms scale (DSS), (2) the sex and longitudinal invariance of the DSS, and (3) the predictive validity of the DSS scale during adolescence in terms of predicting depression and anxiety symptoms in early adulthood.MethodsData were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of 1,293 adolescents.ResultsThe analytical sample included 527 participants who provided complete data or had minimal missing data over follow-up. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that an intercorrelated three-factor model with somatic, depressive, and anxiety factors provided the best fit. Further, this model was invariant across sex and time. Finally, DSS scores at Time 3 correlated significantly with depressive and anxiety symptoms measured at Time 4.ConclusionsResults suggest that the DSS is multidimensional and that it is a suitable instrument to examine sex differences in somatic, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, as well as changes in these symptoms over time in adolescents. In addition, it could be used to identify individuals at-risk of psychopathology during early adulthood.

Number of Years of Team and Individual Sport Participation During Adolescence and Depressive Symptoms in Early Adulthood

“…Potential confounders of the associations between team and individual sport participation and depressive symptoms assessed at survey cycle 21 included sex (male=1 or female=2), age, baseline depression symptoms, and parent education. Baseline depression symptoms were measured using a six-item depressive symptoms scale at survey cycle 1 (Kandel & Davies, 1982), for which scores have been shown to be valid and reliable (Brunet, Sabiston, Chaiton, Low, Contreras, Barnett, & O'Loughlin, 2014). Participants indicated the frequency with which they experienced six symptoms related to depression in the past 3 months on a 4point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (never) to 4 (often).…”

Correlates of nicotine dependence among adolescent waterpipe smokers

“…Depressive symptoms during the past 6 months were measured using a six-item Depressive Symptom Scale (DSS) on a four-point Likert scale (Never to Often; Brunet et al, 2014), with a total score of 0–18. Higher score indicates more depressive symptoms.…”

Impact of sleep difficulty on single and repeated injuries in adolescents

“…b Were excluded 35 subjects aged 16 years or over. c Defined as 'having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep' (extracted from the Kandel depressive symptoms scale (Brunnet et al, 2014;Kandel and Davies, 1982;Swanh et al, 2012) including sleep difficulty starting before and during the present school year. Bold types: significant odds ratios (p < 0.05).…”

“…The 1st item was extracted from the Kandel depressive symptoms scale (Brunnet et al, 2014;Kandel and Davies, 1982;Swanh et al, 2012): 'Have you had trouble going to sleep or staying asleep?' (responses: often or very often/none or rarely).…”