PHQ-9: One factor or two?

Abstract

The PHQ-9 has been found to be reliable and valid, but with both a single and two-factor structure suggested in the literature. This measure has not yet been subject to psychometric investigation using Mokken scale analysis. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Mokken analysis were performed on retrospective data from an NHS Trust. CFA found a two-factor structure was a significantly better fit; however, the factors were highly correlated. Mokken analysis suggested that a single scale was viable. The findings support recent research by Gonzalez-Blanch et\xa0al. (2018) in suggesting a one factor model is most appropriate for the PHQ-9.