Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the Maryland trait and state depression scale in young adults

Bibliographic Data

ID21284056
AuthorsManqi Zhang (0000-0002-5765-2478, Zhaoqing University), Jun Peng (0000-0001-7536-3613, South China Normal University), Jiejie Liao (0000-0003-3191-6874, South China Normal University), Ruixiang Gao (0000-0003-3817-1473, South China Normal University), Xue Wen (0000-0002-8503-5960, Zhaoqing University, corresponding author), Lei Mo (0000-0001-8586-7508, South China Normal University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume266
Pages106812
Publication date2026-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106812
PMID41985358
OpenAlexW7154316674
LanguageEN
References cited42

The Maryland Trait and State Depression (MTSD) scale is a valuable instrument for examining the mechanism underlying state and trait depression. This study aimed to adapt the MTSD for Chinese populations (MTSD-C), which consists of a state depression subscale (MTSD-C-S) and a trait depression subscale (MTSD-C-T), and to evaluate its psychometric properties and measurement invariance among Chinese young adults. We conducted two sub-studies involving 2141 young adults from universities and vocational colleges. In Study 1, 408 participants completed the preliminary MTSD-C to verify its factor structure and guide further revisions. In Study 2, 1733 participants completed the finalized MTSD-C along with additional measures for confirmatory factor analysis. Of these, 150 participants accepted the MTSD-C retest. We analyzed the factor structure, internal consistency, retest reliability and criterion validity, and assessed the measurement invariances across sex, education type (university vs. vocational college), household registration, and only-child status. Our results supported a three-factor structure (affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms) in both the MTSD-C-S and MTSD-C-T, with good model fit. The two subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, retest reliability, and criterion validity. Moreover, the factor structure was found to be equivalent across different sex, education type, household registration, and only-child status. The MTSD-C is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring state and trait depression among Chinese young adults, offering a promising tool for localized research and cross-cultural comparisons. • The MTSD-C was adapted to assess state and trait depression among Chinese young adults. • Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure for both state and trait depression subscales. • The MTSD-C demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity in Chinese young adults. • Measurement invariance was confirmed across sex, education, residence, and only-child status

Confirmatory factor analysis · Depression (economics) · Measurement invariance · Psychometrics · Reliability (semiconductor) · Scale (ratio) · Trait · Young adult · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Mental Health Treatment and Access

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