Psychometric Evaluation of a Brief Depression Measure for Justice-Involved Youths: A Multigroup Comparison

ABSTRACT

The Center for Epidemiological 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 youths, 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 eight-item version of the CES-D among newly arrested youths. Data were obtained through a local health coach service project, designed to provide linkage to treatment for justice-involved youths who are drug involved, test positive for HIV or other STDs, or have high levels of depressive symptoms. A multigroup, confirmatory factor analysis of the depression symptoms for subgroups defined by gender/race self-identification was conducted to assess the psychometric characteristics of the CES-D among these newly arrested youths. Results produced statistical evidence in support of one factor in the eight-item depression data and a similar factor structure across the various gender/racial groups. Criterion-related validity of the depression factor was also explored. Findings support the usefulness of the eight-item CES-D for use among gender-diverse and ethnically diverse youths.

KEYWORDS:

• depression
• health services for youths
• juvenile justice
• juvenile justice entry health services

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the support of the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Central Florida Behavioral Care Network.

Additional information

Funding

Florida Department of Children and Families.