Yao S, Fang J, Zhu X, Zuroff DC. The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire: construct validity and prediction of depressive symptoms in a sample of Chinese undergraduates.
Depress Anxiety 2010;
26:930-7. [PMID:
19067317 DOI:
10.1002/da.20465]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) was developed to measure two dimensions of depression-prone personality, Dependency and Self-criticism. We investigated the construct validity and prediction of DEQ in a Chinese sample, and explored whether Blatt's conceptualizations of depression-prone personality variables are appropriate for the Chinese context.
METHODS
The original version of the DEQ was translated into Chinese (DEQ-C). During the initial assessment, 640 Chinese university students completed the DEQ-C and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Six months later, the CES-D was re-administered.
RESULTS
A principal components analysis yielded a three-factor model that was consistent with Blatt's theory. However, these three factors emerged in a different order in comparison to the original sample. Factorial validity was also acceptable with low correlations between each DEQ-C factor in males (r=.01 approximately -0.14), and females (r=0.19 approximately 0.28). Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations between the CES-D and both Dependency and Self-criticism. Predictive validity was demonstrated by hierarchical multiple regression analyses showing that Self-criticism predicted increased depressive symptoms both in males (beta=0.27, p<0.01) and in females (beta=0.16, p<0.05); Dependency predicted levels of depressive symptoms only in females (beta=0.11, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The Chinese version of the DEQ demonstrated satisfactory validity, including construct validity and predictive validity, the DEQ-C can be considered as an appropriate tool for assessing personality vulnerability to depression in Chinese college students.
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