Development of an Italian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales

Abstract

Older Italian-born Australians represent one of the largest migrant populations in Australia. However, there are few valid and reliable Italian-language measures of mood symptomology suitable for use with this group. Following a rigorous translation and adaptation process, an Italian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales was administered to a sample of 103 Italian-born men and women over the age of 55 years and the results were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Items within the original Depression and Stress scales loaded consistently and strongly on separate factors. However, translated Anxiety items loaded across three separate factors, including a factor comprised solely of somatic expressions of anxiety. The results are explained with reference to cultural factors specific to an older Mediterranean migrant sample, including somatic expressions of distress and “nerves”. The results are also discussed in light of the size and nature of the sample. The Depression and Stress scales can be used confidently by clinicians and researchers with this population. However, the Anxiety scale cannot be assumed to be measuring an homogenous construct, and as such, should be used with caution.