Graduate Program

School Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2017

Thesis Director

Gary L. Canivez

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the construct validity of a new measure of depression, the Teate Depression Inventory (TDI), with primary focus on the Black/African American participants. Research has demonstrated that Black/African Americans experience disparity in receiving mental health care for internalizing disorders, partially due to under-detection of symptoms. Detection of internalizing disorders is an important step in receiving appropriate treatment. This research is essential to benefit mental health practices, addressing the need for professionals to be culturally competent and aware of the appropriate assessment tools available. In order to best serve ethnic minorities, validity of measurements must be assessed. Research suggested that the TDI demonstrated strong psychometric qualities, although those properties have not been assessed for use with ethnically diverse populations in the United States.

The present study addressed the following research questions: 1) Is the TDI a valid measure of depression in Black/African Americans? 2) Does the TDI correlate with the General Behavior Inventory and State Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety as predicted, demonstrating convergent and discriminant validity? Convergent validity was predicted and identified in comparisons between the TDI and the depression scale of the GBI for both White/Caucasians and Black/African Americans. Although not specifically predicted, convergent validity was noted between the TDI and STICSA Cognitive scales for both groups. Discriminant validity was noted between the TDI and the hypomanic/biphasic scale of the GBI as well as between the TDI and STICSA Somatic scales. These findings suggested that the TDI measured depression symptoms in Black/African Americans as well as, if not better than, it measured those symptoms in White/Caucasians. No significant difference was detected between Black/African American scores and White/Caucasian scores. The present study suggested additional strong support for the validity of the TDI with potential for assessment of Black/African American individuals. Sample size and socio-cultural factors may have impacted the significance of the findings.

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