Children's Depression Inventory

The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI and CDI2) is a psychological assessment that rates the severity of symptoms related to depression or dysthymic disorder in children and adolescents. The CDI is a 27-item scale that is self-rated and symptom-oriented. The assessment is now in its second edition. The 27 items on the assessment are grouped into five major factor areas. Clients rate themselves based on how they feel and think, with each statement being identified with a rating from 0 to 2. The CDI was developed by American clinical psychologist Maria Kovacs, PhD, and was published in 1979. It was developed by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) of 1967 for adults as a model. The CDI is a widely used and accepted assessment for the severity of depressive symptoms in children and youth, with high reliability. It also has a well-established validity using a variety of different techniques, and good psychometric properties. The CDI is a Level B test.

The BDI was used as a model for developing the CDI. The BDI is a clinically-based, 21-item, self-rated symptom scale for adults in determining whether or not they are experiencing depression and/or depressive symptoms. Though the BDI was already being used in assessing adults with depression, there was a need for the development of a similar test for children and youth. Therefore, Kovacs developed the CDI.

The first phase of development of the CDI began in March 1975. It was derived using children as subjects. In total, there were four phases of development of the CDI, including three revisions to the original 1975 assessment. The final version was developed and published in August 1979. Kovacs reported that she and Aaron T. Beck worked together in using his adult scale of the BDI as a model for developing the CDI.

The test was originally designed for English-speaking American children, aged eight years old or older. Skills needed for taking the test are the lowest levels of reading and vocabulary comprehension, so it is suitable for children aged six years old or older. The test is generally administered to children and youth between the ages of 7 and 17. The CDI has been translated into many languages, and has been administered to children worldwide.

The CDI manual includes comprehensive information about psychometrics, norms, and item development. Many relevant charts are also included in the manual relating to reliability, constructs, and other areas. Descriptions of CDI’s scales are also provided, including examples of sample tests, along with associated tables of data and information. The directions for administration of the CDI are clear and easy to follow. Information and directions about scoring the CDI, as well as the length of time it takes individuals to complete the CDI, are clear, detailed, and easy to understand. The time it generally takes for an individual to complete the CDI is 15 minutes or less, while scoring time is 5–10 minutes.

...
Wikipedia