Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the latent structure of depression with a non-clinical sample of elderly, using taxometric analysis. The latter consists of a family of statistical procedures conceived for testing whether a given psychological construct is best represented by categories or dimensions in which individuals vary. The sample consisted of 570 elderly with a mean age of 71.9 years (SD = 7.45), who answered the Brazilian version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, a cognitive test, and demographic questions. Three taxometric procedures were used: Mean Above Minus Below A Cut (MAMBAC), Maximum Eigenvalue (MAXEIG), and Latent Mode (L-mode). Sets of simulated categorical and dimensional data, along with the comparison curve fit indices (CCFI), oriented the study data's interpretation. The results with the three techniques pointed to a better fit with the dimensional format as opposed to the taxonic one, that is, depression represented better as a syndrome in which subjects are distributed along a continuum rather than as a discrete diagnostic entity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
