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.

Response format

Likert (0–6, not at all to completely) over the past week; total 0–150

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)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Freely available from Jonathan Kanter. Activation subscale is the primary treatment target in BA therapy for depression. BADS-SF (9 items) available. Sensitive to week-by-week change in BA and CBT treatment.

Recommended companion scales

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.

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