Psychometric analysis of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) in the Peruvian population

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are different constructs, however, in the clinical field and in research they tend to be related, because they appear simultaneously, affecting the mental health of the population. The psychometric properties of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) in the Peruvian population in general were analyzed. An instrumental methodology was used to establish the validity and reliability of the instrument through confirmatory factor analysis; A total of 2283 intentionally chosen people participated, the sample was made up of population groups (adolescents, youth, adults and older adults), the average age range was 39.2 years with a standard deviation of +-18 years. The evaluation by confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure with the three-dimensional model shows a good fit of the data, (χ2(186) = 1163.392; CFI = .986; TLI = .985, RMSEA = .052; SRMR = .023). Internal consistency showed values above .90, demonstrating high reliability. Therefore, the DASS scale for the Peruvian population in general shows good psychometric properties, providing a validated and reliable instrument.