Measurement Invariance of the CES-D Scale Among Chinese and Dutch Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Baoshan, Fokkema Marjolein, Cuijpers Pim, Li Juan, Smits Niels, Beekman Aartjan
Primary Institution: Center on Aging Psychology, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
This study aims to examine the factorial structure of the CES-D and test its measurement invariance across two different national elderly populations.
Conclusion
The CES-D has a valid factorial structure applicable to elderly populations from both China and the Netherlands, but caution is needed when comparing specific factors and items.
Supporting Evidence
- The CES-D's four-factor model provided a significantly better fit than other models in both samples.
- Partial scalar and uniqueness invariance of the CES-D items was supported.
- Latent means were lower for the Dutch sample compared to the Chinese sample.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well a depression scale works for older people in China and the Netherlands, finding it works well but some differences exist.
Methodology
The study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the CES-D's factor structure and measurement invariance across Chinese and Dutch elderly populations.
Potential Biases
Cultural differences may influence how depression is expressed and measured, potentially affecting the results.
Limitations
The study only assessed factor validity and did not examine other types of validity, and results may not generalize to other cultural contexts.
Participant Demographics
The Chinese sample included 4903 elderly adults (mean age 67.35 years), and the Dutch sample included 1903 elderly adults (mean age 70.43 years).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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