Study of the Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and Well-Being in Portuguese Children

• Tania Gaspar ; Joana Ferreira ; Alexandra Almeida ^[1] ; Ana Sofia Almeida ^[2] ; Andreia Martins ^[2] ; Diana Martins ^[2] ; Estela Bastos ^[2] ; José Resende ^[2] ; Rafaela Carvalho ^[2] ; Rita Araújo ^[2] ; Sara Almeida ^[2] ; Sónia Vide ^[2] ; Teresa Gomes ^[2]
  1. [1] Centro Avançado de Saúde Mental e Investigação ( CASMI)
  2. [2] Centro Avançado de Saúde Mental e Investigação. CESMI
• Localización: Análisis y modificación de conducta, ISSN 0211-7339, ISSN-e 2173-6855, Vol. 51, Nº. 189, 2025, págs. 2-15
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.33776/EUHU/amc.v51i189.9271
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Estudio de la Escalas de Depresión Ansiedad Estrés (DASS) y del Bienestar en niños portugueses
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo (pdf)
• Resumen
  • español

    La prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en niños y adolescentes ha aumentado en los últimos años, debido a múltiples factores de riesgo que afectan su salud mental y bienestar. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS) en niños a partir de los 9 años y analizar la relación entre sus dimensiones, el bienestar y los síntomas psicológicos en población portuguesa. La muestra incluyó 618 participantes (50,2% varones), con edades entre 9 y 18 años (M = 12,2; DE = 2,88). Los resultados muestran que la versión portuguesa de la EADS posee buenas propiedades psicométricas, siendo estable y comparable entre géneros y edades. Se encontró una asociación negativa entre bienestar y niveles de ansiedad, depresión y estrés. La estructura de la escala resultó ser estable y comparable entre niños y niñas, así como entre los participantes más jóvenes y los mayores, lo que respalda el uso de la DASS en análisis de comparación entre grupos. Este estudio valida la DASS para uso en investigación y práctica clínica, destacando la importancia de la identificación temprana de síntomas para prevenir dificultades académicas, exclusión social y riesgo de trastornos mentales futuros

  • English

    The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents has been increasing, influenced by multiple risk factors that negatively impact mental health and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) in children aged 9 and older and to examine the relationship between its dimensions, well-being, and psychological symptoms in Portuguese children. The sample included 618 participants (50.2% male), aged 9 to 18 years (M = 12.2; SD = 2.88). Results showed that the Portuguese DASS has good psychometric properties, with a stable and comparable structure across gender and age groups. Well-being (WHO-5) was negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress, indicating that higher psychological distress corresponds to lower perceived well-being. This study validates the use of the DASS in younger populations, providing a reliable tool for research and clinical practice in Portugal. Early detection of symptoms is essential to prevent academic, social, and long-term mental health consequences.

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