In the past, I've always used BDI-II for a self-reported depression scale, but I'm currently looking for a self-report inventory that does not ask questions about suicide. I've come across the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which looks like a good fit, but I wanted to check to make sure others recommend this scale. There appears to be a more recent revised version, but it has questions about harm and suicide. I appreciate your feedback!
PHQ-9 scale by Pfizer, it's short, reliable, validated and freely available for academic purposes.
Hi Ankit,
Thank you for your answer. I've used the PHQ-9 in the past, but it does have a question that is related to self-harm ("Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself ") that I'd like to avoid.
Frankly in my knowledge i have not came across any scale that does not have a question related to suicidal ideation, I would like to suggest you that you should design your own questionnaire according to your research need then validate it.
Hi Ankit - I would love to do that, but I'm in need of something currently and don't have the capacity to validate a questionnaire as I am at a small liberal arts college with very few students.
Manik - thanks so much for this suggestion! It also covers anxiety and stress, which are very helpful to measure with the study I'm writing up.
The PHQ-8, a modification of the PHQ-9, is a valid measure that assesses current depression and does not ask about suicide. See article below.
The PHQ-8 as a measure of current depression in the general population
Kurt Kroenke, Tara W. Strine, Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Joyce T. Berry, Ali H.
Journal of Affective Disorders
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2008.06.026
Look at the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Develop a good clinical interview.
Depression is not the only factor to examine. Mathew Nock's work indicates that character disorders are a very important factor suicides.
Carl - thank you so much for the suggestions; however, I am not looking specifically at suicide or factors related to it. I would like to avoid those questions altogether (including questions about self-harm).
Ravishankar - thank you for the suggestion. The PHQ 9 has a self-harm question, but it looks like there is a version that has taken that question out.
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