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Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
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About Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
Scale Name
Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
Author Details
Lenore Sawyer Radloff
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), developed by Lenore Sawyer Radloff in 1977, is a widely used self-report tool designed to measure depressive symptoms in the general population. Published in Applied Psychological Measurement, the CES-D was created for epidemiological research to screen for depression prevalence and severity outside clinical settings, offering a practical alternative to diagnostic interviews. It captures the emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of depression, making it a versatile instrument for researchers, psychologists, and public health professionals studying mental health trends.
The CES-D consists of 20 items, rated on a 4-point scale (0 = “rarely or none of the time” to 3 = “most or all of the time”), based on symptoms experienced over the past week. Scores range from 0 to 60, with a cutoff of 16 often indicating significant depressive symptomatology, though higher thresholds (e.g., 20-23) are used for greater specificity. Items address mood (e.g., sadness), somatic complaints (e.g., sleep disturbance), and interpersonal difficulties, drawn from established depression scales. Taking about 5-10 minutes to complete, the CES-D is accessible and efficient, with translations into numerous languages enhancing its global reach. Its simplicity and robust design make it ideal for community surveys and longitudinal studies.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the CES-D from its original publication in Radloff (1977) via Applied Psychological Measurement or authorized public health resources, ensuring ethical use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the scale measures depressive symptoms over the past week to assess emotional well-being or screen for research purposes.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to rate each of the 20 items based on how often they felt that way in the past week, using the 4-point scale, and encourage honest responses.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s reading speed and reflection time.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the CES-D in a quiet, private setting, via paper or digital format, ensuring confidentiality to promote accurate self-reporting.
Reliability and Validity
The Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale boasts strong psychometric properties, as established in Radloff (1977) and subsequent research. Internal consistency is high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 across diverse populations, indicating reliable measurement of depressive symptoms. Test-retest reliability varies from 0.45 to 0.70 over intervals of weeks to months, reflecting sensitivity to mood changes rather than trait stability, which aligns with its purpose.
Validity is well-supported through factor analysis, identifying four subscales: depressed affect, positive affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal issues. Concurrent validity is evidenced by moderate correlations (r = 0.50-0.70) with clinical measures like the Beck Depression Inventory. Discriminant validity distinguishes CES-D scores from anxiety in some studies, though overlap exists due to symptom comorbidity. Its predictive validity is notable, with elevated scores linked to increased risk of clinical depression, making it a valuable screening tool in non-clinical settings.
Available Versions
20-Items
Reference
Radloff, L. S. (1977). The CES-D scale: A self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied psychological measurement, 1(3), 385-401.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CES-D measure?
It measures depressive symptoms in the general population.
How many items are in the CES-D?
It includes 20 items scored from 0 to 3.
Who developed the CES-D?
It was developed by Lenore Sawyer Radloff in 1977.
How long does it take to complete the CES-D?
It takes about 5-10 minutes.
What is the CES-D cutoff score?
A score of 16 or higher suggests significant depression.
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