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Psychological Morbidity among University Students in Hong Kong (2014–2018): Psychometric Properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Related Correlates

Author

Listed:
  • Xiang Li

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Daniel T. L. Shek

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Esther Y. W. Shek

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Although mental health problems among Hong Kong university students are serious, there is a lack of studies examining the psychometric properties of related assessment scales and correlates. This study attempted to validate the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) in Hong Kong university students and examine the demographic (gender), time (cohort), and well-being correlates (positive youth development attributes and life satisfaction) of psychological morbidity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the DASS ( n = 6704). Gender and cohort invariance were further established using a multigroup CFA. The three-factor model of the DASS showed a superior fit and factorial invariance across gender and five different cohorts. Regarding gender and cohort correlates of psychological morbidity, males exhibited more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms than their female counterparts. The intensity of psychological distress also escalated after the Umbrella Movement in 2014. Furthermore, well-being measures (positive youth development and life satisfaction) were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. In short, the Chinese DASS demonstrated good psychometric properties. This study also showed that gender, cohort (occurrence of political events), and well-being were associated with psychological morbidity indexed by the DASS measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiang Li & Daniel T. L. Shek & Esther Y. W. Shek, 2021. "Psychological Morbidity among University Students in Hong Kong (2014–2018): Psychometric Properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Related Correlates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8305-:d:609011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diya Dou & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2021. "Concurrent and Longitudinal Relationships between Positive Youth Development Attributes and Adolescent Internet Addiction Symptoms in Chinese Mainland High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Rubén Trigueros & Noelia Navarro-Gómez & José M. Aguilar-Parra & Adolfo J. Cangas, 2020. "Factorial Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Stigma (AAQ-S) in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Diana M. Bravo & Juan C. Suárez-Falcón & Javier M. Bianchi & Miguel A. Segura-Vargas & Francisco J. Ruiz, 2021. "Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey in Colombia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Li Lin & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2021. "Meaning-in-Life Profiles among Chinese Late Adolescents: Associations with Readiness for Political Participation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Daniel Shek & Xiang Li, 2016. "Perceived School Performance, Life Satisfaction, and Hopelessness: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study of Adolescents in Hong Kong," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 126(2), pages 921-934, March.
    6. Zhu, Xiaoqin & Shek, Daniel T.L., 2020. "Impact of a positive youth development program on junior high school students in mainland China: A pioneer study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    7. Teris Cheung & Paul S.F. Yip, 2016. "Lifestyle and Depression among Hong Kong Nurses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, January.
    8. Zheng Zhou & Daniel T.L. Shek & Xiaoqin Zhu & Diya Dou, 2020. "Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Depression: A Longitudinal Study Based on Mainland Chinese High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-15, June.
    9. Sze Mon Lo & Ho Cheong Wong & Ching Yee Lam & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2020. "Common Mental Health Challenges in a University Context in Hong Kong: a Study Based on a Review of Medical Records," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(1), pages 207-218, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel T. L. Shek & Wenyu Chai & Kaiji Zhou, 2023. "Risk Factors and Protective Factors of Internet Addiction in University Students during the Pandemic: Implications for Prevention and Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Xiang Li & Daniel T. L. Shek & Tingyin Wong & Lu Yu, 2022. "Subjective Outcome Evaluation of Instructional Videos in Leadership Education," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-16, December.

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