Validity of the Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale

The purpose of this study was to examine construct validity of the Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (DCSES) among patients receiving inpatient (n = 25) or partial hospital treatment (n = 25) for a depressive disorder. At time of treatment admission and discharge, patients completed the DCSES and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale and researchers completed the Derogatis Psychiatric Rating Scale (DPRS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. The findings indicated depression coping self-efficacy levels to be related to levels of depressive symptoms and global functioning, particularly through and after treatment, and promise for the DCSES for measuring and targeting nursing interventions.