The Short Four-Item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) in Ireland

This study provides normative data for an Irish primary school population aged 10–13 years on the short four-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). As part of a wider study examining alcohol, tobacco and drug use, data from 1,255 children were collected via 43 primary schools in the Mid-West region in 2005. A response rate of 76.2% was achieved. Internal reliability for this short measure was adequate (Cronbach’s Alpha = .583). Construct and convergent validity of this measure was supported through its correlation (ρ = .497) with the Short Form of the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-S). As suggested by the literature, the analyses revealed no significant age or gender differences in depressive symptomatology as measured by the short four-item CES-DC among this relatively young sample. Although further research on this measure is required, it may prove to be a useful measure for busy clinicians seeking to assess and prioritise patients for treatment.