Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
Major depression is a predominant form of mental illness in the workplace. This is proven to have debilitating effects on the well-being of the individual employees as well as negative consequences in terms of organisational productivity and efficiency. Research and information on mental illness in the South African workplace is scarce. To address the dearth of available information, research into valid and reliable psychometric instruments is prudent. The objective of this study was to validate the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale – Revised (CESD-R) for use in the South African working population. The CESD-R is an instrument used in measuring for symptoms of major depression in non-clinical and clinical samples. Findings showed that a one-factor model fit the data best. Also, the CESD-R demonstrated discriminant and convergent validity as well as good reliability. Findings suggest that the CESD-R shows promise as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring depressive symptoms in non-clinical samples in South Africa.