Validation of the Japanese Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale—Revised: A Preliminary Analysis

Abstract

To make the Japanese version of the CESD-R—a revised version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D)—in the assessment of depressive symptoms in a general population. The English version of CESD-R was translated into Japanese, and back-translated into English by three native speakers of Japanese and English; then, we selected the version most completely consistent with the original items. The CESD-R was applied to 398 community-dwelling people (191 men: 48.0%, and 207 women: 52.0%) who were over 40 years old. The Japanese version of the CES-D was also carried out in the same population. Factor analysis was performed. Additionally, the correlations between the CESD-R and CES-D results were identified. The CESD-R scores showed a significantly positive correlation with CES-D scores (r = 0.74, p < 0.0005). Analysis of the CESD-R yielded a Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.90. Factor analysis revealed one principal factor in the CESD-R, whereas the original CES-D had two factors because of reversed items. The Japanese version of the CESD-R appears to have the reliability to be applicable for assessing depressive symptoms in population-based samples. However, because the Japanese expressions for some items might be unusual, our study population was also limited; further studies on other populations and on incorporating improved Japanese terminology will be needed.

Psychometric characteristics of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale–Revised in a population of Polish university students

“…Data on the measurement of depressive symptoms using the CESD-R present inconclusive results relative to the scores obtained by men and women. In a study by Kokou-Kpolou et al [35], the authors noted that there were no differences in resolution with a single global factor, similar to a Japanese study [36]. Information presented by Koziara [34], on the other hand, indicates a higher average score among men.…”

“…Furthermore, a model with two factors [ 33 ] has been analyzed. A single-factor solution including all 20 items was tested using EFA by Japanese researchers [ 36 ]. In Brazil [ 37 ] and Jordan [ 38 ], a single-factor model was verified using CFA.…”