Exploring the Equivalence of Factor Structure in a Measure of Depression Between Black and White Women: Measurement Issues in Comparative Research

Although equivalence of measures is a fundamental requisite in comparative research, re searchers often have ignored or paid little attention to this important issue. This study employs exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the equivalence of factor structure of the short version (11 of 20 original items) of the well-known Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale between Black and White women. The study used data from a nationwide probability sample that included 438 young (ages 24 to 59 years) Black females, 652 young White females, 340 older (ages 60 or older) Black females, and 764 older White females. The results revealed that the short CES-D Scale had different factor structures according to age and race.