Psychometric properties of the DASS-21 in adolescents from Argentina

Abstract

Depression and anxiety disorders tend to be the main reasons for consultation in psychotherapy with adolescents. That is why it is relevant for therapeutic work to have instruments which help in the evaluation process of these disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 Items in adolescents from Argentina. The sample consisted of 401 adolescents (age range: 12-18 years; M = 16.25; SD = 1.52). Reliability, construct and concurrent validity of the instrument were analyzed through Cronbach’s alpha, ordinal alpha, item homogeneity, confirmatory factor analysis and Pearson correlations with the Brief Symptom Checklist – 50. The results showed adequate reliability, as well as construct and concurrent validity. The factor analysis showed a good fit for the four-factor model (depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional discomfort). The present study contributes to psychotherapy in Argentina offering a valid and reliable instrument for the analysis of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adolescents.