Factorial structure of the CES-D among American Indian adolescents

The factorial structure of the CES-D among American Indians, specifically adolescents, has been examined. Manson et al. (1990) found a three-factor structure using exploratory factor analysis to be the most appropriate. Similar studies suggest that the four-factor structure found by Radloff (1977) may not be appropriate for some minority samples. Several studies also have reported gender differences in this regard. This paper examines the factor structure for an American Indian boarding school population and finds that the depressed and somatic factors are highly correlated and should be collapsed into one factor. No differences in the factor structure were found by gender. These findings are discussed both in terms of their theoretical and methodological significance.