Psychometric Evaluation of a Brief Depression Measure for JJ Youth

• In Event: Children/Youth, Trauma, Mental Health and Delinquency or Justice Issues

Abstract

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a widely used screening tool for depression among adults and children. However, the validity of the CES-D has yet to be established among justice involved youth, a population known to have higher levels of depressive symptoms in comparison to samples of community adolescents. The current study examines the psychometric characteristics of the 8-item version of the CES-D among newly arrested youth. Data were obtained through a local Health Coach Service project, designed to provide linkage to treatment for justice involved youth who are drug involved, test positive for HIV or other STDs, or have high levels of depressive symptoms. A multi-group, confirmatory factor analysis of the 8-item CES-D on newly arrested male and female, African American and Anglo, youth is conducted to assess the psychometric characteristics of the CES-D among newly arrested youth. Results produced statistical evidence in support of one factor in the 8-item depression data and a similar factor structure across the various gender/racial groups. Findings support the usefulness of the 8-item CES-D for use among gender- and ethnically-diverse youth.

Authors

• Richard Dembo, University of South Florida

• Jessica Faber, ACTS, Inc.

• Jennifer Cristiano, ACTS, Inc.

• Ralph J. DiClemente, Emory University

• Julie Krupa, University of South Florida

• Jennifer Wareham, Wayne State University

• Asha Terminello, ACTS, Inc.