The Depressive Tendency Questionnaire for Chinese Middle School Students: Development and Initial Validation

Abstract

Purpose Depressive tendency refers to the early stage of the onset of depression disorder, which can also have a negative impact on individuals’ quality of life. However, there are many numerous depression-related scales that are primarily used to evaluate depression disorders with relatively severe symptom severity. And considering the characteristics of the Chinese cultural background, relatively few corresponding scales are currently developed. This study aimed to develop and validate a depressive tendency questionnaire for Chinese middle school students, based on the psychological structure of depressive tendency in the context of Chinese culture. Methods The initial version of the questionnaire was developed through literature reviews, open surveys, and in-depth interviews. The questionnaire was revised based on the predictions made from 865 middle school students ( M =15.84, SD =1.50). Finally, the formal questionnaire was developed through valid administration to 1205 students ( M =15.63, SD =1.82), using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability, and validity testing, as well as measurement invariance analysis. Results The questionnaire consisted of 30 items, including negative self, cognitive function, personal reserve, and social support. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the questionnaire fitted the data with well construct validity. Measurement invariance indicates no gender and grade differences in the questionnaire scores. The questionnaire demonstrates good reliability and validity, meeting the requirements of psychometrics. Conclusion From a theoretical point of view, we clarified the psychological structure of depressive tendencies among Chinese middle school students, providing a theoretical and empirical basis for subsequent related research. From a practical point of view, the formal questionnaire plays a positive role in the smooth development of mental health counseling, education, and other work in middle schools.