Validation of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Shin Ho; Song, Yun Ju C.; Demetriou, Eleni A.; Pepper, Karen L.; Thomas, Emma E.; Hickie, Ian B.; Guastella, Adam J.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 291(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder -- Adults -- Distress -- Mental health -- Reliability -- Validity; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113300
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The psychometric properties of the DASS-21 were examined in individuals with ASD. The DASS-21 demonstrated high internal consistency and item-total correlations. The DASS-21 showed adequate convergent validity and acceptable factorial validity. The original 3-factor structure of the DASS-21 was supported in this study. Self-reports of depression by adults with ASD showed higher severity than clinician reported ratings of the same person. Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine the internal consistency and validity of the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and without intellectual disability (IQ >= 70). Participants ( NN = 123) were consecutively recruited from the Brain and Mind Centre in New South Wales, Australia. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha. Item-total correlations were evaluated by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. The convergent validity of the DASS-21 was examined by measuring its associations with quality of life and other measures of depression and anxiety. Factorial validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The DASS-21 demonstrated good internal consistency, adequate convergent validity, and all items exhibited satisfactory item-total correlations. Considering fit indices and factor loadings, the confirmatory factor analysis results provided support for the original 3-factor oblique model consisting of depression, anxiety, and stress factors. The model fit could be further improved with some modifications. Overall, the results indicate that the DASS-21 is a viable self-report screening measure for depression, anxiety, and stress in individuals with ASD and without intellectual disability.