Diagnostica
Volume 56, Issue 4, 2010, Pages 230-239

Are depression and somatisation equivalent for migrants and native Germans? An investigation of measurement invariance for the PHQ-9 and PHQ-15 [Sind vergleiche im depressions-und somatisierungsausmaß zwischen migranten und deutschen möglich? Eine überprüfung der messinvarianz für den PHQ-9 und PHQ-15] (Article)

Mewes R.* , Christ O. , Rief W. , Brähler E. , Martin A. , Glaesmer H.
  • a Philipps-Universität Marburg, Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
  • b Psychologische Methodenlehre, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
  • c Philipps-Universität Marburg, Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
  • d Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
  • e Psychosomatische und Psychotherapeutische Abteilung, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
  • f Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

Abstract

Studies in the general population are crucial for the assessment of mental health in migrants in comparison to native Germans. For the assessment of depression and somatisation, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the PHQ-15 have shown good validity and reliability. However, it is arguable wether both instruments assess the same constructs in migrants and Germans, and consequently, whether results from comparative studies can be interpreted correctly. The PHQ-9 and the PHQ-15 were analysed in reference to measurement invariance in a big sample of migrants and Germans (N = 271 each). Both questionnaire showed measurement invariance. Using these instruments, comparisons of mean values between migrants and Germans are possible. The interpretation of data from comparative studies with migrants and Germans using the PHQ-9 and the PHQ-15 is possible. This is a good basis for further studies on mental health in migrants. © Hogrefe Verlag Göttingen 2010.

Author Keywords

Migrants general population Measurement invariance PHQ-15 PHQ-9

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77957701863&doi=10.1026%2f0012-1924%2fa000026&partnerID=40&md5=8eb8235dcd0257c6dbd89d225eb261bd
DOI: 10.1026/0012-1924/a000026
ISSN: 00121924
Cited by: 18
Original Language: German