Feelings Scale (CES-D)
Fast
Track obtained permission to use this measure in our study, but
we are not allowed to distribute it. To obtain a copy for your use,
click
here and contact the source listed.
Abstract
The Feelings Scale (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression
Scale) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses symptoms of
depression in the general population (Radloff, 1977). Each of the
twenty items on the scale states an experience related to depression
that the respondent may have had. Sixteen of the items express negative
experiences and four items express positive experiences. Responses
are coded on a four-point Likert scale and include: "Rarely,
or none of the time (less than 1 day)," "Some or a little
of the time (1-2 days)," "Occasionally or a moderate amount
of time (3-4 days)" and "Most or all of the time (5-7
days)." For each item, the respondent selects the value (1,
2, 3 or 4) that best describes how frequently the experience occurred
during the previous week
This scale does not contain subscales. In the original study, Ratloff
(1977) reported high internal consistency among items (ranging from
.84 to .90). Because of the high internal consistency, the author
of the original study recommended using the total score. A later
study (Miller-Johnson & Maumary-Gremaud, 1995) also reported
high internal consistency among the 20 items, and again recommended
use of the total score.
The total score on 20 items should be used to estimate depression.
Although this scale has no subscales, in their 1995 study, Miller-Johnson
& Maumary-Gremaud noted that if an estimate of a respondent's
feelings of social rejection is needed, items 15 and 19 can be used
together. However, they also reported a somewhat low reliability
(0.58) for the items.
Keywords: Family Finances, Financial Difficulties, Household Expenses,
Money.
Administration History
See study
years administered.
Back to Fast Track home
Back to instrument
list
19 November 2002
|
