Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of Beck Depression Inventory–II in Early Adolescents

This study explored the longitudinal measurement invariance in the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II) in early adolescents (junior high school students). The participants were 730 early adolescents (330 boys and 400 girls), who were followed up over 3 years (in six waves). To reduce the size of longitudinal model and verify the stability of the findings, the Fall and Spring series data sets were analyzed separately. Each series includes three waves of data with about 1-year apart. It was found that the three-factor model (Negative Attitude, Performance Difficulty, and Somatic Elements) best fitted the data. Results of both data sets provided support for the longitudinal measurement invariance (threshold invariance) of the three-factor model, suggesting that the BDI-II measured the same construct over 3 years. The study also examined the category function of the BDI-II on the basis of the pattern of threshold estimates. Finally, the implications of the findings on the continuing use of the BDI-II are discussed.