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Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) (Long and Short Form)
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About Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) (Long and Short Form)
Scale Name
Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) (Long and Short Form)
Author Details
J. W. Kanter and Team
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Behavioral activation for depression scale (BADS) (long and short form) is developed by Kanter, J. W., Mulick, P. S., Busch, A. M., Berlin, K. S., & Martell, C. R. The questionnaire is designed to measure changes in avoidance and activation over the course of Behavioral Activation for depression. The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) can be used to track changes weekly in the behaviors hypothesized to underlie depression and specifically targeted for change by behavioral activation.
It examines changes in the following areas: activation, avoidance/rumination, work/school impairment, and social impairment. The BADS consists of 25 questions, each rated on a seven-point scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 6 (completely). The short-form BADS consists of 9 items rated using the same scale as the long-form. Data on the scale’s internal consistency, construct and predictive validity, and factor structure has been presented (Kanter et al., 2007; Kanter et al., 2009). Positive findings on the psychometric properties of the short-form BADs have also been presented (Manos et al., 2011).
To score the BADS, items from all scales other than the Activation scale are reverse-coded and then all items are summed. To score the subscales, no items are reverse-coded. This process allows high scores on the total scale and the subscales to be represented by the scale and subscale names. In other words, for the total scale, higher scores represent increased activation, while for the Social Impairment subscale, higher scores represent increased social impairment.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The BADS can be administered in two ways, depending on the chosen version:
Long Form (25 items):
- This version is typically administered by a mental health professional during therapy sessions.
- The individual is asked to read each statement and rate their level of agreement on a 7-point scale (0 = not at all, 6 = completely).
- The professional then scores each item and calculates subscale and total scores, providing a detailed picture of the individual’s behavioral patterns related to depression.
- This comprehensive assessment allows for a thorough evaluation of progress in BA therapy.
Short Form (9 items):
- This version can be self-administered or used by professionals for quicker assessments.
- The individual reads each statement and rates their level of agreement on the same 7-point scale.
- The total score is then calculated, offering a concise overview of activation and avoidance behaviors.
- While less comprehensive than the long form, the short form is useful for frequent monitoring and tracking progress in BA therapy.
Important Note:
- It’s crucial to remember that the BADS should be used by qualified professionals or under their guidance.
- While the short form can be self-administered, interpreting the results and using them to guide treatment decisions should be done in consultation with a mental health professional.
Reliability and Validity
Both the long and short forms of the BADS have been extensively studied and show good psychometric properties, meaning they are reliable and valid measures of depression-related behaviors. Here’s a breakdown:
- Internal consistency: Both versions demonstrate good internal consistency, meaning the items within each form are highly correlated and measure the same underlying construct (depression-related behaviors).
- Test-retest reliability: The BADS has also shown good test-retest reliability, meaning that scores remain stable over time when the scale is administered twice within a short period.
- Construct validity: The BADS has been shown to be sensitive to changes in depression symptoms over time, particularly when used in conjunction with BA therapy. This demonstrates that it effectively measures the intended construct (behavioral changes associated with depression).
- Convergent validity: The BADS scores correlate with other measures of depression and related constructs, such as activity levels and social engagement, further supporting its validity.
Differences between versions:
- Long form: Generally considered to have slightly better reliability and validity due to its more comprehensive assessment.
- Short form: While less comprehensive, it still shows good psychometric properties and is more convenient for frequent monitoring.
Available Versions
25-Items
09-Items
Reference
- Kanter, J. W., Mulick, P. S., Busch, A. M., Berlin, K. S., & Martell, C. R. (2007). The Behavioral activation for depression scale (BADS): Psychometric properties and factor structure. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 29, 191-202.
- Kanter, J. W., Rusch, L. C., Busch, A. M., & Sedivy, S. K. (2009). Validation of the behavioral activation for depression scale (BADS) in a community sample with elevated depressive symptoms. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 31, 36-42.
- Manos, R. C., Kanter, J. W., & Luo, W. (2011). The behavioral activation scale for depression-short form: Development and validation. Behavior Therapy, 42, 726-739.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the BADS?
A: The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) measures changes in behaviors associated with depression.
Q: Are there different versions?
A: Yes, there’s a long form (25 items) and a short form (9 items).
Q: How is it administered?
A: A professional usually administers the long form, while the short form can be self-administered.
Q: Is it reliable and valid?
A: Yes, both versions show good psychometric properties, meaning they accurately measure depression-related behaviors.
Q: Which version is better?
A: The long form is more comprehensive, but the short form is quicker and convenient for frequent monitoring.
Q: Who should use it?
A: The BADS is primarily used by mental health professionals, but the short form can be helpful for self-monitoring.
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