The relationship of the Depression Adjective Check List to positive affect and activity level in older adults

The Depression Adjective Check List (DACL) and a battery of mood and activity measures were administered to 49 older adults who were members of a senior citizens day center. Higher depression scores were negatively associated with avowed happiness on the Affect-Balance Scale and the Bradburn Happiness Scale and with participation in active recreational and social activities, assessed by the Activity Pattern Indicators. DACL scores were uncorrelated with measures of passive and quiet activity. The results are viewed as providing tentative support for the DACL's appropriateness with older populations, and future research directions are suggested.