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Investigating the Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale on a Young Irish Sample: Analysis of the My World Survey Dataset

Young people all over the world are affected by mental health difficulties of depression, anxiety and stress. Those affected by depression may suffer from feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and a general lack of interest in their own life. Anxiety can result in young people panicking, fearing certain situations and affected muscle control. Stress impacts on young people’s ability to relax, and can make young people feel irritated and agitated by their environment. These three mental health difficulties are measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, which has been supported internationally for young populations in clinical and non-clinical samples.
The My World Survey dataset provides the opportunity to examine how depression, anxiety and stress affect young people in Ireland. This study aims to examine the appropriateness of the short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) in a non-clinical Irish sample of young people between the ages of 12-25. Within this study, an existing model of negative emotionality will be tested for its appropriateness in a large community-based sample of adolescents and young adults. The applicability of the DASS-21 for measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress for adolescents and young adult partcipants will be examined, as will examining the applicability of the DASS-21 with male and female participants. This study will determine whether or not DASS-21 is an appropriate tool for measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress within a young Irish sample.