Construct Validity Study of the Turkish Form of the Short Beck Depression Inventory

Abstract

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to conduct a structural, and criterion-related validity study of the Short Beck Depression Inventory and to make it available for use by healthcare professionals and individuals conducting research in the field. Method: Designed as a cross-sectional scale adaptation study, this research utilized the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory, the Short Beck Depression Inventory, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Data of the study were collected through Google Forms using extensions transmitted via email and WhatsApp. Results: The mean age of the 178 participants was 21.09±2.12. The statistical findings in the confirmatory factor analysis of the Short Beck Depression Inventory, the X2/DF (23.68/13); the ratio was found to be 1.82, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation: 0.068, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual: 0.046, Root Mean Square Residual: 0.027, Normed Fit Index: 0.95, Non-Normed Fit Index: 0.97, Comparative Fit Index: 0.98, Incremental Fit Index: 0.98, Relative Fit Index: 0.93, and Goodness of Fit Index: 0.96. In the criterion-related validity study, a relationship was observed between the Short Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory and between the Self-Compassion Scale. Conclusion: Upon examining the outcomes of the inventory's confirmatory factor analysis, it was found that all fit indices were within the excellent fit range. The Turkish adaptation of the Short Beck Depression Inventory was concluded to be a highly valid and reliable scale that can be used in clinical settings and research in the adult Turkish population. Keywords: depression, factor analysis, self-compassion