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Depression Adjective Check Lists
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About Depression Adjective Check Lists
Scale Name
Depression Adjective Check Lists
Author Details
Bernard Lubin
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL), developed by Bernard Lubin in 1965, were created to provide a brief, reliable, and repeatable measure of depressed mood across both clinical and non-clinical populations. Unlike lengthy diagnostic inventories, the DACL uses a simple adjective checklist format that captures the affective dimension of depression in a time-efficient manner.
The DACL consists of seven parallel forms (A–G), which were designed to allow repeated assessments without practice effects. Each form contains a balanced selection of adjectives related to mood, distinguishing between positive adjectives (reflecting depressed affect) and negative adjectives (indicating non-depressive states). Respondents are asked to check adjectives that describe how they feel “today” (state form) or “generally” (trait form), making the tool adaptable for both transient mood states and more enduring depressive tendencies.
The DACL was initially developed for research on postpartum depression, but its brevity, reliability, and cross-population applicability have made it a widely used tool in studies of mood, clinical psychiatry, and psychological assessment.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: The DACL can be obtained from Lubin’s manual or research articles describing its development and validation.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the questionnaire evaluates current or general depressive mood using descriptive adjectives.
- Provide Instructions: Respondents are presented with a list of adjectives and asked to check all that apply to how they feel “now, today” (state form) or “generally” (trait form).
- Approximate Time: Takes about 2–3 minutes for most individuals; psychiatric patients may take slightly longer.
- Administer the Scale: Use either the state or trait form depending on research or clinical needs. Scoring is done by adding the checked depressive adjectives and unchecked positive adjectives.
Reliability and Validity
The DACL demonstrate robust psychometric properties (Lubin, 1965). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79–0.90 for individual lists, N not specified; alpha = 0.85–0.91 for list E; mean alpha = 0.84 for trait form in elderly). Split-half reliability ranges from 0.76–0.93 (state form: 0.82–0.93 for non-patients, 0.86–0.93 for patients). Inter-list correlations are strong (r = 0.80–0.93), confirming equivalence. Test-retest reliability for the state form is low (r = 0.19–0.24, 1 week, N = 75; r = 0.45–0.59, Hebrew version, 1–3 weeks), reflecting mood variability.
Positive and negative adjectives correlate negatively (r = -0.75 to -0.82). Convergent validity is supported by correlations with depression scales (r ≈ 0.50–0.70, N not specified). Discriminant validity is evidenced by distinguishing depressed from non-depressed individuals. Validity is limited in low-reading-ability groups when complex adjectives are removed. Pairing with the Beck Depression Inventory or Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
32-Items
Reference
Lubin, B. (1965). Adjective checklists for measurement of depression. Archives of general psychiatry, 12(1), 57-62.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Depression Adjective Check Lists measure?
They measure depressed mood via adjective checklists for state or trait assessment.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) across all diagnostic groups for research purposes.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 2–3 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it tracks mood changes to guide depression interventions.
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