The Depressive Symptoms Scale (DSS): A preliminary psychometric analysis

Research Aims/Questions: The aim of the study is to assess the initial psychometric properties of a new self-report measure of depressive symptoms, the Depressive Symptoms Scale (DSS). The DSS proposes to measure symptoms of depression across three domains (cognitive, behavioural and somatic/physiological) within a 12-item self-report questionnaire. The DSS aims to address limitations of existing measures of depressive symptoms, which do not provide subscale scores of each domain of depression. As such, clinicians seeking to monitor their clients’ progress in each domain, or researchers seeking to understand the mechanisms of treatment change, must currently use multiple measures. As the DSS provides subscale scores for cognitive, behavioural and somatic symptoms, it has the potential to benefit both clinicians and researchers who work in the field of internalising disorders.

Methodology: Participants will include 300 first year psychology students. The factor structure of the DSS will be explored with both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent validity will be assessed by correlating scores on the DSS with the Patient Health Questionnaire (9 item) and depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Divergent validity will be assessed by correlating scores on the DSS with the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised. Reliability will be assessed by investigating the internal consistency of the scale, as well as correlations between two administrations of the DSS (test-retest reliability). Data collection is underway and initial analyses (on 102 participants) are promising.

Conclusion: The DSS could serve as a useful tool in clinical practice and research into depression.