NCJ Number
89939
Journal
Journal of Personality Assessment Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (1982) Pages: 372-379
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study explored the use of the abridged Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a depression screening device for a sample of recently incarcerated adult female felons and examined the concurrent validity of the instrument.
Abstract
Results indicated that the abridged BDI was a highly reliable measure which substantially and significantly correlated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) D scale, as well as other MMPI scales. In addition, individuals who tended to score high or depressed on the abridged BDI consistently described themselves on self-concept rating scales in the direction of low self-esteem and low self-worth. Substantial and statistically significant negative correlations were consistently observed between the abridged BDI and self-concept measures. Consistent patterns of relationships between the abridged BDI and MMPI, as well as between the abridged BDI and self-concept scales, emerged and were congruent with clinical descriptions of depression. The consistency and pattern of results added strong support to the concurrent validity of the abridged BDI. Tables and 26 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)