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Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children
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About Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children
Scale Name
Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children
Author Details
Peter Birleson
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C) emerged in 1978 as a response to the need for a child-administered tool to assess depressive symptoms. Developed by J. Birleson, the DSRS-C addressed the limitations of adult-based assessments in capturing a child’s internal experience of depression.
Birleson’s work (1978) originated from a larger inventory of potential depression indicators in children. This initial pool of items was refined through a process of item selection and validation. The final 18-item DSRS-C was designed to be completed by children aged 8 to 14 years old. It employs a self-report format, empowering children to express their emotional state and experiences over the past week.
Each statement in the DSRS-C reflects a core symptom of childhood depression. The child chooses a response option from a three-point scale (“most of the time,” “sometimes,” or “never”) indicating the frequency with which they experience the feeling or behavior described. Scores are assigned to each response, and the final score is calculated by summing these individual scores. A score exceeding a pre-determined cut-off point (typically 13) suggests potential depression in the child.
The DSRS-C represents a significant contribution to the field of child mental health assessment. Its brevity and child-friendly format make it a valuable tool for identifying children who might be struggling with depression. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the DSRS-C functions as a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of depression and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Preparation: The examiner should ensure a private and comfortable space for the child. Having age-appropriate materials on hand, such as crayons or pencils, can be helpful. It’s crucial to establish rapport with the child and explain the purpose of the scale in a clear and non-judgmental manner. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and the goal is to understand how the child has been feeling recently.
- Presenting the DSRS-C: Provide the child with a copy of the DSRS-C questionnaire. Read each statement aloud slowly and clearly, ensuring the child comprehends the wording. Encourage them to ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Response Selection: For each statement, the child chooses the answer that best reflects their experience over the past week.
Reliability and Validity
The Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C) has undergone evaluations to assess its reliability and validity, which are crucial psychometric properties of any psychological measure. Here’s a closer look at these aspects:
Internal Consistency: Studies have shown good internal consistency for the DSRS-C. This refers to the extent to which the items within the scale measure the same underlying construct (depression). Birleson (1981) reported a corrected split-half reliability coefficient of 0.86, indicating a high degree of internal consistency.
Test-Retest Reliability: This aspect assesses the stability of the scale over time. When a child completes the DSRS-C twice with a reasonable time interval in between, their scores should be relatively consistent. Birleson (1981) also found satisfactory test-retest reliability (around 0.80) for the DSRS-C, suggesting the scale produces stable scores.
Face Validity: The DSRS-C items appear relevant to the concept of depression in children. The statements directly address core symptoms like sadness, loneliness, and loss of interest, making the content valid on a surface level.
Construct Validity: This aspect explores whether the scale measures the intended psychological construct. Birleson’s work (1978) compared the DSRS-C scores of depressed children with a control group. Children with a confirmed diagnosis of depression scored significantly higher on the scale, supporting the construct validity.
Clinical Validity: This type of validity examines how well the scale differentiates between children with and without depression in a clinical setting. Studies have shown the DSRS-C can effectively discriminate between these groups. For example, Birleson et al. (1987) found that scores above 13 on the DSRS-C were significantly associated with a diagnosis of depression.
Available Versions
18-Items
Reference
Birleson, P., Hudson, I., Buchanan, D. G., & Wolff, S. (1987). Clinical evaluation of a self-rating scale for depressive disorder in childhood (Depression Self-Rating Scale). Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 28(1), 43–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1987.tb00651.x
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DSRS-C?
A self-report tool for children (ages 8-14) to assess symptoms of depression.
How does it work?
Children answer 18 statements about their feelings over the past week (e.g., “I feel sad or unhappy”).
How is it scored?
Scores are assigned based on response frequency (“most of the time,” “sometimes,” “never”). Higher scores suggest potential depression.
Is it a diagnosis tool?
No. It’s a screening tool. A mental health professional diagnoses depression.
Is it reliable and valid?
Yes, research shows good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity for depression in children.
Limitations?
Self-report can be biased. Younger children might misinterpret some items.
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