Simplification of the Beck-Depression-Inventory (BDI)

Abstract

In order to improve the economy of the Beck Depression Inventory, the number of items was reduced from 84 to 20. Only one item is used for each symptom. Losing weight as a symptom was dropped. Intensity/severity of symptoms was measured using six-point frequency rating scales. Psychometric properties were investigated using a sample of 2500 participants. The internal consistency of the scale was .90. Latent state-trait analyses revealed a high reliability of the scale (.95), a remarkable trait consistency across two years (.64), a substantial occasion specificity (.26), and a low method specificity (.05). Correlations between the modified BDI and other indicators of well-being, with demographic variables, with the objective and subjective quality of the individual's employment situation, with belief in a just world and in an unjust world, with belief in control, and with judgments and emotions regarding the employment situation in Germany support the construct validity of the modified BDI. The correlation between the modified BDI and social desirability (-.34) could have different psychological causes and does not necessarily imply a bias by impression management.