Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21)

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale does not have a fixed name in the Czech environment, but we can, for example, talk about the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms Scale. It is a self-assessment instrument designed to measure three related negative emotional states: depression, anxiety and tension/stress. The DASS-21 is a shortened version of the original 42-item questionnaire, which contains 21 items comprising three subscales: depression, anxiety, and stress (7 items each). Each of these subscales also captures a more general dimension of psychological stress or negative affectivity.

Length of filling

It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete the entire scale.

Individualized feedback for the respondent

After evaluating the questionnaire, the subject learns whether he shows any symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress.

Keywords

DASS-21, depression, anxiety, stress, negative affectivity, negative emotional states

Scoring and interpretation

A total score is calculated separately for each subscale: depression (items 3+5+10+13+16+17+21), anxiety (items 2+4+7+9+15+19+20) and stress (items 1+ 6+8+11+12+14+18). Scores from the DASS-21 must first be multiplied by two in order to be compared to normative data. A higher score indicates a higher level of the trait.

Response scale

Respondents rate how often the stated statements applied to them in the past week using a four-point scale (0 = not at all, 1 = sometimes, 2 = often, and 3 = almost always).

References

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS21). (2023). Wisconsin. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://arc.psych.wisc.edu/self-report/depression-anxiety-stress-scale-21-dass21/

Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). (2022). Retrieved February 28, 2023, from http://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/groups/dass/

Henry, J., & Crawford, J. (2005). The short-form version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21): Construct validity and normative data in a large non-clinical sample. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44(2), 227-239. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466505X29657

Lovibond, S.H. & Lovibond, P.F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scales. (2nd Ed.) Sydney: Psychology Foundation.

Vilímovský, T., & Kučera, D. (2018). Vilimovský & Kučera Czech DASS21. DASS Translations. http://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/dass/Czech/Vilimovsky%20Czech.htm