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

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

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

Answer: (D)

On the DASS-21, each subscale (Depression, Anxiety, Stress) sums seven items scored 0–3, and that sum is doubled to give a final score ranging from 0 to 42. These scores map to severity bands: Depression is normal 0–9, mild 10–13, moderate 14–20, severe 21–27, extremely severe 28+. Anxiety is normal 0–7, mild 8–9, moderate 10–14, severe 15–19, extremely severe 20+. Stress is normal 0–7, mild 8–9, moderate 10–18, severe 19–25, extremely severe 26+. The set with Depression 14, Anxiety 10, and Stress 17 places all three subscales in the moderate range, and these values are relatively high within the options provided. Across the options, this combination shows elevated levels across all domains, making it the best match for “extreme scores” among the given choices. (Absolute extremes would be 28+/20+/26+ after doubling, which aren’t listed here.)

On the DASS-21, each subscale (Depression, Anxiety, Stress) sums seven items scored 0–3, and that sum is doubled to give a final score ranging from 0 to 42. These scores map to severity bands: Depression is normal 0–9, mild 10–13, moderate 14–20, severe 21–27, extremely severe 28+. Anxiety is normal 0–7, mild 8–9, moderate 10–14, severe 15–19, extremely severe 20+. Stress is normal 0–7, mild 8–9, moderate 10–18, severe 19–25, extremely severe 26+. The set with Depression 14, Anxiety 10, and Stress 17 places all three subscales in the moderate range, and these values are relatively high within the options provided. Across the options, this combination shows elevated levels across all domains, making it the best match for “extreme scores” among the given choices. (Absolute extremes would be 28+/20+/26+ after doubling, which aren’t listed here.)