Psychometric Properties of the Russian-Language Version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Background : the effectiveness of a primary screening system for psychiatric disorders in the population can be enhanced by using short scales with high psychometric properties. Aim : to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Participants and Methods: the data from three online surveys conducted as part of the study “The novel coronavirus crisis and its impact on public health” are used. The first survey was conducted in May-June 2020, the second in January-February 2021, and the third in November-December 2021. The sample included 1,667 people. Results : both the full and short versions of the scale are characterized by high internal consistency and reliability. Convergent validity of the scales is confirmed by correlations with similar constructs and known factors of psychological distress. Conclusion : the scale can be used by practitioners and researchers to screen and evaluate the severity of nonspecific psychological distress in the Russian-speaking population.