Factorial structure of the Beck Depression Inventory for depression in university students

Abstract

Objective To explore the dimensionality of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) among Colombian college students. Methods A validation study was designed, involving the participation of a sample of 786 health science students (medicine, nursing, and psychology) aged between 18 and 27 (M=20.0, SD = 1.9). The participants completed the 21-item BDI. Internal consistency was calculated (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and dimensionality was demonstrated using factorial confirmatory analysis (CFA). Results The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy was high (0.898) and the Bartlett's sphericity test gave excellent results (chi-square = 3,102.60; df = 210; p < 0.001). One-, two- and three-dimensional models were used. The unidimensional model performed best, representing 24.8% of the total variance, high internal consistency, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 and a McDonald's omega of 0.84. However, the CFA did not fit adequately (chi-square = 583.79; df = 189; p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.052, CI 90% 0.047-0.056, CFI = 0.87, TLI = 0.85 and SMSR = 0.04). Conclusions The best factor solution for the BDI is given by the unidimensional model, which presents high internal consistency. However, its adjustment in the CFA is not acceptable.