Factor structure and validity of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale ‐21 in Swedish translation

This study confirms that the DASS‐21 is theoretically sound instrument that is feasible for both research and clinical practice. The DASS‐21 can be an accessible tool for screening and evaluation in first‐line mental health services. AbstractIntroductionThere is a constant need for theoretically sound and valid self‐report instruments for measuring psychological distress. Previous studies have shown that the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) is theoretically sound, but there have been some inconsistent results regarding its factor structure.AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate and elucidate the factor structure and convergent validity of the DASS‐21.MethodsA total of 624 participants recruited from student, primary care and psychotherapy populations. The factor structure of the DASS‐21 was assessed by confirmatory factor analyses and the convergent validity by investigating its unique correlations with other psychiatric instruments.ResultsA bifactor structure with depression, anxiety, stress and a general factor provided the best fit indices for the DASS‐21. The convergent validity was adequate for the Depression and Anxiety subscales but more ambiguous for the Stress subscale.DiscussionThe present study overall supports the validity and factor structure of the DASS‐21.Implications for practiceThe DASS‐21 can be used to measure symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as overall distress. It can be useful for mental hea...
Source: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research