Psychometrics of the Depressive Cognition Scale in Caregivers of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Authors

Abir K. Bekhet, Marquette UniversityFollow
Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, Case Western Reserve University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

5 p.

Publication Date

4-2013

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

Source ISSN

0883-9417

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2012.10.004

Abstract

Caregivers of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are prone to depression, and early identification of cognitive depressive symptoms is important to prevent the development of clinical depression. The Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS) can be used for early detection, but the scale's psychometrics has not been tested in caregivers of persons with ASD. In this study, 95 caregivers of persons with ASD completed the eight-item DCS and measures of caregiver burden and resourcefulness. A Cronbach's alpha of .90 indicated internal consistency. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with caregiver burden (.59) and resourcefulness (− .57). Principal component factor analysis produced a single factor with 58% of the variance explained. The findings suggest the DCS is useful for early detection of depression in caregivers of persons with ASD.

Comments

Accepted version. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol. 27, No. 2 (April 2013): 96-100. DOI. © 2013 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Bekhet, Abir K. and Zauszniewski, Jaclene A., "Psychometrics of the Depressive Cognition Scale in Caregivers of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders" (2013). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 167.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/167