Validation of the Korean Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children

Abstract

Objective Depression in children and adolescents is a global concern associated with adverse psychological and developmental outcomes. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) measures depressive symptoms in this population; however, evidence regarding its applicability in Korea remains limited. This study validated the Korean version of the CES-DC and examined its factor structure and associations with other psychological measures. Methods A total of 370 children and adolescents participated; 358 with complete CES-DC data were included, and 301 submitted the CES-DC retest after 2–4 weeks. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlations. Concurrent validity was assessed using parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6–18 (CBCL 6–18) and self-reported Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated model fit; exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored variations in factor structure. Results The Korean CES-DC demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.89) and good test–retest reliability (r=0.70), with subscale-level test–retest correlations (0.55–0.66). Significant correlations with the RCMAS and YSR, and weaker correlations with the CBCL, supported concurrent validity. CFA supported the fit of the original four-factor model. Conclusion The Korean CES-DC is a reliable and valid measure for assessing depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. Further validation in broader age and clinical samples would strengthen generalizability.