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Convergent Validity and Preliminary Cut-Off Scores for the Anxiety and Depression Subscales of the DASS-21 in US Adolescents

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Abstract

Although the depression and anxiety subscales (DASS-D and DASS-A) of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales are commonly used in adolescents, few studies have investigated the convergent validity of/potential cutoff scores for these subscales in U.S. adolescents. To address these gaps, 306 U.S. adolescents completed the DASS-21, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD7), and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CESD). The DASS-D and CESD were strongly correlated, while the DASS-A and GAD7 were strongly correlated in males and more moderately correlated in females. Using the CESD as reference, DASS-D cutoff scores of four for males and five for females provided the best balance of sensitivity and specificity. When using the GAD7 as reference, DASS-A cutoffs of six for females and five for males appeared best. These findings suggest the DASS-A and DASS-D demonstrate good convergent validity and may be suitable for identifying adolescents who are significantly anxious and/or depressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Luke Evans, Kristen Haeberlein, Alexander Chang & Paul Handal

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  1. Luke Evans
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  2. Kristen Haeberlein
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Evans, L., Haeberlein, K., Chang, A. et al. Convergent Validity and Preliminary Cut-Off Scores for the Anxiety and Depression Subscales of the DASS-21 in US Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 52, 579–585 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-01050-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-01050-0

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