A good DASS-21 score indicates normal or healthy levels of the emotional states assessed. Specifically, for the DASS-21, these scores reflect a lack of significant depression or stress.
Understanding DASS-21 Scores
The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to measure the severity of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and stress. A "good" score on the DASS-21 signifies that an individual is experiencing these emotional states within a healthy range, meaning they are not experiencing symptoms that would classify as mild, moderate, severe, or extremely severe.
What Constitutes a "Good" Score?
Based on the scoring interpretation guidelines, a "good" or normal DASS-21 score falls within the following ranges for Depression and Stress:
| Component | Normal Score Range |
|---|---|
| Depression | 0-9 |
| Stress | 0-14 |
These ranges suggest that individuals scoring within these brackets are experiencing a normal and healthy level of emotional functioning in these areas.
Interpreting DASS-21 Results
It's important to understand that the DASS-21 provides a snapshot of an individual's emotional state at a particular time. While a "good" score is desirable, any changes or patterns in scores over time can also provide valuable insights. Here's a broader view of how scores are generally interpreted:
- Normal: Scores within the "good" range, indicating an absence of significant symptoms.
- Mild: Suggests some presence of symptoms, but not yet at a level that is highly distressing or significantly impacting daily life.
- Moderate: Indicates a noticeable level of symptoms that may be causing some distress or functional impairment.
- Severe: Points to a significant presence of symptoms that are likely causing considerable distress and impacting various aspects of life.
- Extremely Severe: Denotes very high levels of symptoms, indicating profound distress and often severe impairment in functioning.
For a comprehensive understanding, DASS-21 scores are typically interpreted by a qualified professional who can consider individual circumstances and other relevant factors.
