The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale: Measurement and structural invariance across ratings of older adult men and women

The current study examined the measurement and structural invariance of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1977) across ratings provided by older adult men (n = 573) and women (n = 605). Ratings were modeled in terms of the original four-factor oblique model: a simple structure with correlated factors for Depressed Affect, Positive Affect, Somatic Symptoms, and Interpersonal Difficulties. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis supported full measurement and structural invariance, and no sex difference for the four latent factors. These findings indicate good support for measurement and structural invariance of CES-D ratings across older adult men and women. The psychometric and practical implications of the findings are discussed.