Discriminant Validity of the SCL-90 Dimensions of Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Although the SCL-90 and other self-report measures of anxiety and depression have long been criticized for inadequate factor structure and unacceptably high correlations with each other, recent evidence indicates the use of homogeneous samples results in greatly improved discriminant validity. This study utilized homogeneous samples of anxious (N = 54) or depressed (N = 120) outpatients and a factor analysis was conducted on their responses to the depression and anxiety items on the SCL-90. Clearly separate factors for anxiety and depression emerged. Results are discussed with respect to implication for measures of depression and anxiety.

Eating disorders and general psychopathology: a comparison between young adult patients and normal controls with and without self‐reported eating problems

“…Both internal consistency and validity have been shown to be satisfactory for the SCL-90 and later versions (Derogatis, 1992;Holi, Sammallahiti, & Aalberg, 1998;Don Morgan, Wiederman, & Magnus, 1998;Peveler & Fairburn, 1990;Schmitz, Hartkamp, Kiuse, Franke, Teister, & Tress, 2000;Schmitz, Kruse, Heckrath, Alberti, & Tress, 1999). The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) in our sample varied between 0.79 and 0.88 for the different subscales.…”

Attachment and symptoms of psychopathology: early maladaptive schemas as a cognitive link?

“…Psychometric evaluations have reported good internal consistency (alpha coeffi cients 0.77 to 0.90), good test-retest reliability, and good concurrent, construct and discriminant validity (Derogatis, 1983(Derogatis, , 1994Morgan, Wiederman, & Magnus, 1998). The 90 items are divided into nine subscales: somatization, obsessivecompulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, anger-hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, which can be summed up in one total problem score.…”

SCL–90 symptom patterns: Indicators of dissociative disorders

“…The SCL-90 is a widely used 90-item measure of general psychiatric distress. Psychometric evaluations have reported good internal consistency (alpha coefficients .77 to .90), good test-retest reliability, and good concurrent, construct, and discriminant validity (Derogatis, 1983(Derogatis, , 1994Derogatis, Wiederman, & Magnus, 1976;Morgan et al, 1998). The 90 items comprise nine subscales: somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, anger-hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism.…”