For the DASS-21, which set corresponds to severe scores for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress?

For the DASS-21, which set corresponds to severe scores for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress?

• A. D 14, A 10, S 17
• B. D 9, A 7, S 12
• C. D 13, A 9, S 15
• D. D 11, A 8, S 13

Answer: (D)

When using the DASS-21, each domain (Depression, Anxiety, Stress) has its own score range and severity cutoffs. For a score to be considered severe on each scale, the raw sum on that scale must meet or exceed its specific cutoff: Depression at 11 or higher, Anxiety at 8 or higher, and Stress at 13 or higher. The set with 11 for Depression, 8 for Anxiety, and 13 for Stress meets all three severe thresholds, so it represents severe levels across all domains. The other sets fail to reach the severe cutoff on at least one scale, so they don’t reflect severe symptoms in every area.

When using the DASS-21, each domain (Depression, Anxiety, Stress) has its own score range and severity cutoffs. For a score to be considered severe on each scale, the raw sum on that scale must meet or exceed its specific cutoff: Depression at 11 or higher, Anxiety at 8 or higher, and Stress at 13 or higher. The set with 11 for Depression, 8 for Anxiety, and 13 for Stress meets all three severe thresholds, so it represents severe levels across all domains. The other sets fail to reach the severe cutoff on at least one scale, so they don’t reflect severe symptoms in every area.