+The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D Scale)

Ratliff (1977)

Topic: Mental and Physical Health - Depression

Description of Measure: 

The CES-D scale is a short self-report scale designed to measure depressive symptomatology in the general population. 

Instructions: 

Below is a list of the ways you might have felt or behaved. Please tell me how often you have felt this way during the past week.

Response Options: 

Rarely or None of the Time (Less than 1 Day)

Some or a Little of the Time (1-2 Days)

Occasionally or a Moderate Amount of Time (3-4 Days)

Most or All of the Time (5-7 Days)

Items:

During the past week:

1. I was bothered by things that usually don’t bother me.
2. I did not feel like eating; my appetite was poor.
3. I felt that I could not shake off the blues even with help from my family or friends.
4. I felt that I was just as good as other people.
5. I had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing.
6. I felt depressed.
7. I felt that everything I did was an effort.
8. I felt hopeful about the future.
9. I thought my life had been a failure.
10. I felt fearful.
11. My sleep was restless.
12.  I was happy.
13. I talked less than usual.
14. I felt lonely.
15. People were unfriendly.
16. I enjoyed life.
17. I had crying spells.
18. I felt sad.
19. I felt that people dislike me.
20. I could not get “going.”

Citation:

Ratliff, L.S. (1977). The CES-D Scale: A Self-Report Depression Scale for Research in the General Population.  Applied Psychological Measurement, 1(3), 385-401. http://doi.org/10.1177/014662167700100306 Links to an external site..

Link to PDF: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/014662167700100306 Links to an external site.

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