Citation

Dembo R, Faber J, Cristiano J, DiClemente RJ, Krupa JM, Wareham J, Terminello A. J. Child Adolesc. Subst. Abuse 2018; 27(3): 146-155.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1067828X.2018.1431990

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

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