Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale

What it measures

Measures behavioural activation and avoidance as process variables in the treatment of depression. Activation reflects engaging in life activities despite mood; avoidance/rumination reflects withdrawing from activities and ruminating as a mood-management strategy. Sensitive to treatment change in Behavioural Activation therapy.

Representative items

• I engaged in activities that gave me pleasure. (Activation)
• I engaged in activities that were important to me. (Activation)
• I avoided situations that might make me anxious or depressed. (Avoidance)
• I did things to avoid feeling sad or depressed. (Avoidance/Rumination)
• I was able to do things that were required of me. (Work Impairment, R)

Citation

Kanter, J.W., Mulick, P.S., Busch, A.M., Berlin, K.S., & Martell, C.R. (2007). The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS): Psychometric properties and factor structure. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 29(3), 191–202.