Norms for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) in a large Dutch community sample

J. Roelofs*, G. van Breukelen, L.E. de Graaf, A.T. Beck, A. Arntz, M.J.H. Huibers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is a widely used instrument that provides information about the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Although the BDI-II is a psychometrically sound instrument, relatively little is known about norm scores. This study aimed to develop reliable norms for the BDI-II in a Dutch community sample. Gender, age, and education were hypothesized to predict BDI-II scores. A total of 7,500 respondents from a community sample in The Netherlands completed the BDI-II. It was investigated by means of multiple regression analysis whether distinct norms for genders, education levels, and age group are appropriate. BDI-II scores depended on gender and education level, but not on age. BDI-II norms were computed based on the final regression model. These BDI-II norms can be used for diagnostic purposes, clinical decision making, or the evaluation of treatment effects.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-98
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • BDI-II
  • Beck Depression Inventory
  • Depression
  • Norming
  • PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENTS
  • PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES
  • INPATIENTS
  • VALIDITY

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