Psychometric Evaluation of Six DASS-21 Short Forms for Male Survivors

Purpose This study evaluated six abbreviated versions of the DASS-21 in adult male survivors of sexual abuse to identify valid, reliable, and efficient tools for trauma-informed assessment. Method Secondary data from 534 male survivors were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis to assess model fit, reliability, and construct validity. Results All forms showed acceptable reliability ( α ≥ .70). After modification, all models fit the data well. The two-factor DASS-10 was statistically superior (CFI = .996, RMSEA = .025, nonsignificant χ ²). The three-factor DASS-12a also demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = .987, RMSEA = .040) and met all convergent validity criteria (all AVEs ≥ .50). Discriminant validity between anxiety and stress was not supported. Discussion The DASS-12a is the most sound three-factor option, while the D-10 offers a more robust, two-factor measure of general distress ideal for rapid screening. Generalizability is limited.