Cross-Ethnic Measurement Equivalence of the Children’s Depression Inventory Among Youth in Foster Care

Abstract

Previous research has indicated differences in the presentation and measurement of depressive symptoms across ethnic groups. In the current study, we examined the factor structure of the Children’s Depression Inventory in an ethnically diverse sample of adolescents in foster care ( n = 346; Mage = 13.13 years, SD = 2.18 years) and examined the configural invariance of the measure across ethnic groups. Findings indicated a two-factor structure in the total sample. Furthermore, configural invariance was not supported, in that unique factor structures emerged for African American, White, and Hispanic subsamples. Findings hold implications for research and practice involving the assessment of depressive symptoms among youth in out-of-home care and among ethnic minority adolescents.

The association between acculturative stress and rule-breaking behaviors among Latinx adolescents in rural areas: A moderated mediation analysis.

“…The CDI has shown good test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in nonclinical populations (Sitarenios & Kovacs, 1999) and is the most frequently used scale for the study of child and adolescent depression (Twenge & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2002). Reliability of the CDI with Latinx adolescents has been supported by previous research (Gonzales-Backen et al, 2020). In the present study, item ratings were averaged, with high scores representing higher levels of depressive symptoms.…”

“…In contrast, findings about the association between acculturative stress and externalizing behaviors among Latinx are inconsistent. Although it is expected that Latinx adolescents would engage in externalizing behaviors to manage stress (Gil et al, 2000) or to express frustration, and to assert power against perceived discrimination (Nair et al, 2013), research does not consistently support the direct association between acculturative stress and externalizing behaviors (Umaña- Taylor et al, 2011). A few studies show that acculturative stress is indirectly associated with externalizing behaviors through a mediating variable such as self-esteem (Schwartz et al, 2007) or familism (Gil et al, 2000).…”

“…Although it is expected that Latinx adolescents would engage in externalizing behaviors to manage stress (Gil et al, 2000) or to express frustration, and to assert power against perceived discrimination (Nair et al, 2013), research does not consistently support the direct association between acculturative stress and externalizing behaviors (Umaña- Taylor et al, 2011). A few studies show that acculturative stress is indirectly associated with externalizing behaviors through a mediating variable such as self-esteem (Schwartz et al, 2007) or familism (Gil et al, 2000). As such, it is important to identify potential mediators to understand the process through which acculturative stress operates to influence externalizing behaviors among Latinx adolescents.…”

Developmental differences in the impact of racial discrimination on depression and anxiety among Black youth: Examining rumination as a mechanism.

“…Item scores are summed for a composite score, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The CDI has been used extensively among diverse research and clinical samples of children and adolescents and has demonstrated strong psychometric properties (Gonzales-Backen et al, 2020; Twenge & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2002). Internal consistency in the current sample was high (α = .87).…”