Description

The 22-Item Scale (T-22IS) is a screening instrument designed to assess psychiatric morbidity in the general population. It focuses particularly on the current level of depressive symptomatology, with emphasis on its emotional component, especially depressed mood. The symptoms assessed include those commonly associated with clinical depression, although they may also occur to some extent in other psychiatric or non-clinical conditions.

The scale was developed in Manhattan in the 1950s and consists of 22 items, each addressing a psychopathological symptom considered capable of contributing to functional impairment.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the T-22IS is the assessment and screening of psychiatric symptoms within the general population. It can be used to identify individuals who may present increased psychological distress and to support epidemiological, social, and psychological research.

The instrument should primarily be regarded as a screening measure rather than a stand-alone diagnostic tool.

Structure of the Scale

The T-22IS consists of 22 questions, each corresponding to a specific psychological or psychophysiological symptom.

According to the available material, factor analysis has identified two main dimensions:

  • General neuroticism, comprising 14 items
  • Psychophysiological symptoms, comprising 8 items

This structure allows the scale to capture both emotional and somatic manifestations of psychological distress.

Scoring

Responses are rated on a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 3:

  • 0 = Rarely or none of the time
  • 1 = Some or a little of the time
  • 2 = Moderately or much of the time
  • 3 = Most or almost all of the time

According to the source material, classification can also be based on the number of symptoms reported. The presence of 0–1 symptoms is considered indicative of a good mental state, 2–5 symptoms correspond to moderate disturbance, while reporting more than 6 symptoms is associated with more severe psychological disturbance.

Scoring and interpretation should always follow the specific version and administration protocol used in the study.

Reliability and Validity

The T-22IS is reported to demonstrate good reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha greater than 0.80, indicating satisfactory internal consistency.

Regarding validity, the available material states that the scale has demonstrated satisfactory validity and has been compared with the CES-D scale. Factor analysis has also supported the presence of the two dimensions of general neuroticism and psychophysiological symptoms.

Research Applications

The T-22IS can be applied in research focusing on mental health, psychiatric epidemiology, social psychiatry, and public health.

It may be used to investigate associations between psychiatric symptomatology and sociodemographic characteristics, migration, social conditions, psychological distress, quality of life, or other psychosocial variables.

Data Analysis

Data analysis may include descriptive statistics, comparisons between groups, correlations, and multivariable statistical analyses, depending on the objectives of the study.

In psychometric applications, researchers may also examine internal consistency, factor structure, convergent validity, and discriminative ability.

Interpretation

Higher levels or a greater number of reported symptoms indicate greater psychological or psychiatric burden, whereas fewer symptoms generally correspond to a more favorable mental health profile.

Results should be interpreted in relation to the study population, research context, and the specific form of the instrument used. The T-22IS is best suited to screening and research purposes and should not be interpreted as providing a clinical diagnosis on its own.

References

Langner, T. S. (1962). A twenty-two item screening score of psychiatric symptoms indicating impairment. Journal of Health and Human Behavior, 3(4), 269–276.

Madianos, M. (1980). Acculturation and mental health of Greek immigrants in the USA (Doctoral dissertation, Columbia University).

Evans, E. C. (1977). Some correlates of Langner “22 Item” Scale scores with psychiatric out-patient particulars.

Mouzas, O. D., Angelopoulos, N. V., & Liakos, A. (2008). Public opinions about mental illness in a Greek area: The influence of socio-demographic factors. Psychiatriki.