Generalized Contentment Scale – GCS
Measures the degree, severity, or magnitude of non-psychotic depression.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Generalized Contentment Scale – GCS was developed by Walter W. Hudson (1977). It is designed to measure Depression. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 25 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Rarely or none of the time, 2 = A little of the time, 3 = Some of the time, 4 = A good part of the time, 5 = Most or all of the time.
The scale includes 12 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 100. Interpretation guidelines:
- Clinically insignificant depressive affect: 0 – 29
- Clinically significant depressive affect: 30 – 69
- Severe depressive affect / distress: 70 – 100
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.92.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.