Depression Anxiety Stress Scales: Factor structure and differential item functioning across women and men

This study examined the factor structure, and differential item functioning of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) across sex. The DASS was completed by 201 women and 165 men from the general community. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated support for the original 3-factor oblique model (factors for depression, anxiety and stress). There was however more support for a bifactor model, with four orthogonal factors: a general factor on which all the depression, anxiety and stress items load, and specific independent factors for depression, anxiety and stress items. None of the DASS items showed DIF. The practical, theoretical, research and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

► The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales are used widely in research and clinical work.
► It is critical that we have clear data on its psychometric properties.
► Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported its theorised 3-factor oblique model.
► CFA also supported a bifactor model.
► The bifactor model has a general factor and the three specific factors.