Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Persian Version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-42): Non-Clinical Sample

Abstract

Background: Based on historical viewpoint, relationship among depression, anxiety and stress attracted clinical and theoretical consideration. Despite the relative overlap of these psychological disorders in general, these three syndromes are distinctive in terms of theoretically and conceptually aspects. Objectives: The aim of current study is investigation confirmatory factor analysis and psychometric characteristics of Iranian version of depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-42) in student’s population. Methods: The student sample n = 664 studied in current study. The method of estimation Weighted Least Squares (WLS) used to investigate the confirmatory factor structure of this sample. NNFI, RMR, RMSEA, CFI, AGFI, GFI, ECVI, X2, X2 / df, were used to assess the adequacy of model fitness with data. In this study, MMPI -2 questionnaire, Cattell anxiety scale, and Beck depression inventory were used as criterion validity. Results: The results suggest DASS-42 scale had satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest validity and concurrent reliability. The results showed three factors with first class fitted better with data and DASS-42 scale had desirable construct validity of student sample. Conclusions: The results showed confirmatory factor structure and validity of this tool for application usages and clinical diagnosis are acceptable.