Validation of the Chinese Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale in Depressed Patients in Hong Kong

Abstract. To better understand and gauge the severity of anhedonia, the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) was developed which focuses on assessing the four pleasure domains of anhedonia. Lacking any Asian data in the original study, a Chinese version of the DARS (C-DARS) was evaluated in this study. The scale was developed by backward and forward translations and reviewed by an expert panel and a focus group. One hundred fifty-one depressed patients were recruited. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability were confirmed (McDonald’s ω = .82); a confirmatory factor analysis showed a second-order model with adequate fit (RMSEA = .078, CFI = .945). Concurrent validity was examined by the correlations with the Chinese version of the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale ( r = −.72, p < .001), while discriminant validity was examined with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( r = −.34, p < .001). The C-DARS was shown to be a psychometrically sound and valid measure of anhedonia severity ready for clinical use.