To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic-language version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS).

The items were translated, back translated, refined, and tested in an Australian immigrant sample (N = 220).

Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Arabic DASS discriminates between depression, anxiety, and stress but to a lesser degree than the English DASS. The factor loadings for all 42 items were comparable to those of the English DASS, indicating that the items had been appropriately translated and adapted. Analysis of exploratory items suggested by Arabic-speaking mental health professionals failed to reveal any new items that were both psychometrically adequate and theoretically coherent. Analysis of a bilingual sample (N = 24) indicated that the English norms was appropriate for the Arabic DASS.

The results support the universality of depression, anxiety, and stress across cultures and provide initial support for the psychometric properties of the Arabic DASS.