Toward Cultural Validation of the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale in Karnataka, India: Psychometric Testing Among 13–17-Year Olds

Abstract

Improving youth mental health is a national priority in India, especially given the very high rates of youth suicide. Yet, mental health prevalence data in India are often incomplete. More culturally validated mental health measures are needed to inform prevention and intervention work. The Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-47) is a widely used measure of mental health globally, including in India, but it is yet to be culturally validated there. This study presents the second stage (of two) of the cultural validation of the RCADS-47 in a sample of Indian adolescents (n = 332; Mage = 14.81 years). Participants completed a revised version of the RCADS-47 (K-RCADS), alongside comparative measures. Psychometric testing for convergent and discriminant validity, alongside factor analysis, was conducted. The K-RCADS had good psychometric properties; high internal reliability (α = 0.89) and good construct validity when compared to measures of similar constructs (r = 0.51–0.69). Support was found for five of the six original RCADS factors. Findings suggest confidence in the rephrased RCADS-47 ability to identify symptoms of anxiety and depression among Indian adolescents, alongside highlighting the importance of culturally validating measures of mental health. Further research in this validation is also discussed.