THE FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE CES-D IN 2 SURVEYS OF ELDERLY MEXICAN-AMERICANS

The factor structure of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depress ion Scale (CES-D) has not been well defined among elderly Mexican Amer icans. Although most prior research suggests the CES-D has four factor s, prior research also suggests that the factor structure of the CES-D may vary with culture. In addition, previous theory and research on o ther depression inventories suggest only two factors: a general depres sion factor and a psychological well-being factor. The current study d etermines the number of factors for the CES-D in the Hispanic Establis hed Populations for Epidemiologic Studies (H-EPESE) survey (N = 2,536) and in a previous study of elderly Mexican Americans living in San An tonio, Texas (N = 330). The factor analytic results argue strongly for the two-factor model, and this model is the only structure that yield ed consistent results across subgroups (e.g., male vs female or Spanis h vs English language of interview). We conclude that the CES-D has on ly two factors among elderly Mexican Americans.