The Italian version of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ): psychometric properties and a contribution to validation on students, community, and clinical groups

The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Italian validation of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ),conceived as a measure of self-criticism and dependency, i.e. two personality factors acting, according to Blatt (2004), as risk factors fordepression in particular and psychopathology in general. A series of standardized measures [Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), DEQ,Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, 3rd edition (MCMI-III)] was administered to three samples(i.e., students, community and clinical). Factorial validity was evaluated along with convergent and predictive validity. In order to evaluatethe reliability and internal consistency, a specific subgroup of participants was retested on the DEQ and BDI-II. Results showed correlationsbetween DEQ dimensions and some personality traits of the MCMI-III. The traditional three-factor model of the DEQ structure as identifiedby principal component analysis appears to be as stable factors as typically found in American samples, although some items showedelevated cross-loading or low loadings on any factor. Clinical and diagnostic implications of the findings will be discussed.