Convergent Validity of the Clinical Assessment of Depression as a Screening Procedure in Immersion Treatment of Adolescent Obesity

Abstract

Background/Objective: The present research tested the clinical validity of a simple self-report measure, Clinical Assessment of Depression (CAD), as a screening tool to identify potentially disruptive participants in immersion treatment for adolescent obesity. Methods: 257 overweight attendees at two Wellspring Camps (cognitive-behavior therapy immersion treatment) were included (91% females; M age = 15.1; M pretreatment BMI = 35.0; M pretreatment % overweight = 77.6). Campers completed CADs, Binge Scales, 24-hour dietary recalls, and food pantry checklists. A reliable chart review identified indicators of psychological distress. Results: Campers were grouped according indicators of distress into three Distress groups: High (27%), Medium (38%), and Low (35%). The High Distress group scored significantly higher than both of the other groups on CAD and Binge measures. The groups were similar on all other measures. Conclusions: The results support the validity of the CAD as a potentially useful and efficient screening tool.

KEYWORDS:

• assessment
• childhood obesity
• depression
• distress
• validity

Notes

Note. Criteria listed in boldface were considered of greatest concern and given a high priority during the screening process.