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Psychometric properties of the DASS-21 in Malaysia

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posted on 2009-01-01, 00:00 authored by David MellorDavid Mellor, Kathleen Moore, J Yeow
The use of scales to measure constructs in populations or contexts other than that in which they were normed is highly controversial. Despite this, the use of scales without reference to 'local' norms is still widespread. In this study we examine the reliability, factor structure and convergent validity of the short form of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21), in a convenience sample of 191 people recruited from the general population in Malaysia. Confirmatory factor analysis suggests that a three factor solution provides an acceptable fit, however these three factors are highly correlated. Scores on the depression, anxiety, and stress scales of the DASS-21 correlate with the BDI-II at only moderate levels, suggesting that convergent validity of the depression scale is weak, and that there are not differential relationships between the BDI-II and the three DASS scales. Issues related to the possible role of cultural factors in response patterns, and the need for a greater understanding of the manifestations of psychological distress and how it relates the DASS-21 scales in Malaysia are discussed.

History

Title of book

Building Asian families and communities in the 21st century : selected proceedings of the 2nd Asian Psychological Association Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June, 2008

Chapter number

10

Pagination

630 - 644

Publisher

Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Place of publication

Newcastle upon Tyne, England

ISBN-13

9781443813587

ISBN-10

1443813583

Language

eng

Publication classification

B1.1 Book chapter

Copyright notice

2009, Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Extent

11

Editor/Contributor(s)

J Jaafar, S McCarthy

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