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Practical No: 3 Date: 30/ 07/ 2023

Beck’s Depression Inventory

The understanding of depression has evolved over centuries, progressing from spiritual

explanations to more scientific and psychological interpretations. It was in the 1950s that the

American Psychological Association first operationalised depression with the introduction of the

DSM-I (Depression, n.d.). The contemporary DSM-5 is more structured and includes more

specific criteria for depression; wherein depression is defined as Major Depressive Disorder

(MDD). For an MDD diagnosis, an individual needs to undergo a minimum of five distinct

symptoms over two weeks, including a depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities

(Mcleod, 2023). These symptoms should result in distress or hinder daily functioning. Additional

manifestations can involve alterations in sleep, appetite, energy levels, feelings of low self-worth,

difficulties in concentration, and even thoughts of death (Symptoms - Depression in Adults, n.d.).

Depression has been regarded as the “common cold” of psychiatry due to its frequency of

diagnosis (Baddeley, 2008). So naturally, many psychologists have attempted to understand the

cause of depression by proposing various theories. Initial explanations of depression revolved

around behavioural theories. It explains how the environment an individual is in can potentially

cause them to be depressed can be due to the conditions in which people learn behaviour or just

simply by observing behaviours (Behavioral Theories of Depression, n.d.).

With the rise of psychodynamic theories, Sigmund Freud proposed that depression is

attributed to interactions between unconscious processes, early life experiences, and inner

conflicts. Factors like unconscious conflicts related to early childhood, introjection, loss and grief

about failures, and high superego demands can intensify feelings of worthlessness and eventually

contribute to manifesting depressive symptoms (Cuncic, n.d.).

With the influence of psychodynamic ideas, later psychologists adopted the cognitive

approach to understand depression. Unlike focusing on behaviour, this approach examines an

individual's beliefs, suggesting that depression might result from a negative thinking bias. A

prominent figure in this realm, Aron Beck, made significant contributions with his formulation of

'Beck's Cognitive Theory.' (Depression Cognitive Theory Of Depression - Aaron Beck, n.d.). In

this theory, he aimed to explain depression by presenting a framework that identified three

potential contributors to its development. The first mechanism, known as 'the cognitive triad,'

involves individuals harbouring pessimistic thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future.

The second component pertains to negative self-schemas, wherein those experiencing depression

tend to possess critical self-perception. Lastly, depressed individuals frequently exhibit errors in

their logical reasoning and information processing (Mcleod, 2023).

The shifting cultural landscape, evolving work dynamics, changes in family structures,

and heightened stress factors have collectively contributed to significant changes in mental health

trends in India (Hiranandani, 2016). Notably, among these shifts, young adults aged 20 to 29

have emerged as a particularly vulnerable demographic, regardless of gender, when it comes to

experiencing depression (Rathore, 2023). Statistical data reveals that around one in five Indians

encounters depression at some point in their lives, equating to approximately 200 million

individuals. However, it's crucial to recognize that these figures might have evolved due to

various factors, including the increased emphasis on awareness campaigns, especially within the

educational sector (Indians' Perception of Mental Health Increased Significantly: Survey, 2021).

Despite India's predominantly traditional values, mental health has not always taken precedence,

but there's a gradual transformation underway, particularly noticeable among the younger

generation.
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Aim: To assess the level of depression in the participant by using Beck’s Depression

Inventory.

Details of the Test

Description

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a commonly used self-report questionnaire that

measures the severity of depression symptoms. It was created by Dr. Aaron Beck in 1961 as a

clinical assessment tool to evaluate and measure the intensity of depression in patients. It consists

of 21 multiple-choice questions that assess the severity of symptoms, such as sadness, guilt, and

feelings of helplessness. The items are divided into four groups: Affective (emotional)

symptoms, somatic (physical) symptoms, Cognitive symptoms and vegetative symptoms (which

refer to changes in sleeping and eating habits). Each question is scored from 0 to 3, indicating

different levels of depression symptoms in an individual.

Reliability

The Beck's Depression Inventory has been demonstrated to possess strong reliability and validity.

The test-retest reliability of the BDI ranges from 0.73 to 0.92, indicating that scores remain

consistent over time. The BDI also displays robust internal consistency, with a value of 0.9,

indicating that the items on the questionnaire are related to one another and measure the same

construct (Cuncic, n.d.).

Validity:

Content Validity: The BDI items cover a wide range of depressive symptoms, contributing to its

content validity. (Beck, 1961)

Construct Validity: The BDI demonstrates strong correlations with other depression measures,

supporting its construct validity. (Beck, 1961)

Criterion Validity: BDI scores align well with clinically diagnosed depression and related

measures, confirming its criterion validity. (Beck, 1988)

Scoring

The scoring procedure entails adding the results for each of the 21 items. The total score

might be between 0 and 63. The overall score can generally be interpreted as follows:

1 - 10 —--- These ups and down are considered normal

11 - 16 —-- Mild mood disturbance

17 - 20 —-- Borderline clinical depression

21 - 30 —-- Moderate depression

31 - 40 —-- Severe depression

Over 40 —- Extreme depression

Materials: Beck's Depression Inventory and Stationary.

Administration

Ensuring participant well-being was crucial in attaining reliable and valid outcomes during the

administration procedure. The process commenced with securing participant consent and

clarifying the study's objectives, along with emphasizing their right to withdraw anytime.

Constructing trust between the administrator and the participant was a pivotal part of the

practical, Subsequently, an interview was conducted to gather general background information,

fostering a sense of comfort and enabling the administrator to get insights into the participant's

life history. Following the interview, Beck's Depression Inventory was implemented with a focus

on precision and confidentiality. Upon completion of the inventory, the participant received a

debriefing. Lastly, the participant was accompanied from the cubicle to the exit, ensuring their

well-being and comfort were maintained throughout the entirety of the process.
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Participant’s Details

Initials: M.C

Age: 17

Gender: Female

Qualification: Student (FYBA)

Hobbies: gardening, singing.

Introspective Report

“In this interview, I was made to think about how I feel about things in my life which made me

aware if I needed any help and I do admit that this experience has been so refreshing because it

made me think about myself and what I am as a person and that I should be more aware about

myself first rather than always thinking about others.”

Observers Report

During the administration of Beck's Depression Inventory, the participant, the participant was

engaged and open, discussing various life aspects. She exhibited signs of nervousness and

hesitated when addressing deeply personal matters. It was very evident in her way of speaking

that she's of a selfless nature and her focus on others was evident, possibly contributing to her

hesitancy in discussing herself. These observations provide valuable context for interpreting her

responses to the inventory.

Results and Discussion

The Beck’s Depression Inventory was developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck. It is one of the

most popular tools for measuring the severity of depression. The BDI consists of 21 items that

are multiple-choice questions, each of which corresponds to symptoms of depression. The

participant was instructed to mark responses to the items on the inventory as truthfully as they
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could in order to measure their level of depression. The test administrator interviewed the

participants before administering the Beck’s Depression Inventory in order to gain a better

understanding of their general mentality, their quality of life, and the presence of any particular

stressors.

The participant was questioned about their interests, relationships, and,their life in

general. The results of the scores were analyzed by comparing the information from the

interview with the participant's results on Beck's Depression Inventory. The participant obtained

a score of 13 on the Beck’s depression Scale which indicates that the participant has mild mood

disturbance.

In a deeply insightful interview, there were a lot of interesting observations noticed

during the interview process and the participant’s answers to the questionnaire. This

comprehensive exploration explored various dimensions of her existence, delving into her

familial dynamics, academic achievements, emotional nuances, and her aspirations for the future.

Even though her overall score is of mild mood disturbances there are some remarks to be noted

especially that of which included her family. She part of a very conservative Christian family, and

even though she does not mind the experience she expressed that sometimes it gets too lonely

and that her parents are not very open about talking about feelings and their emotions. Her

answer to the eleventh question does indicate that she gets irritated a good deal of time. The

familial backdrop revealed intriguing dynamics, with her father's overseas work and her mother's

distanced approach contributing to a unique relationship with her younger brother. This

connection has seemingly played a pivotal role in cultivating her deeply rooted selflessness and

her need to extend care and affection to those around her; especially her brother.
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As the conversation unfolded, it became evident that the participant was not just an

academic achiever but also a gifted vocalist who had numerous awards. Yet, perhaps one of the

most striking aspects of her personality lies in her self-image and her humility. Her remarkable

achievements are often downplayed by her, as she often feels ‘not good enough’, she suggested

that her parents not appreciating her much could have caused her to be so harsh on herself. One

more aspect that adds to her feeling that she is not good enough is feeling unattractive, this can

be noticed in her answer to the 14th question wherein she says that the changes in her appearance

make her unattractive especially her acne; which is a major contributor to her low self-esteem.

Among her notable traits, people-pleasing is highly noticeable, a characteristic that draws

her towards alleviating the needs of others even at the expense of her own well-being. The

transition from her previous school to Chowgule College emerges as a significant challenge, one

that involves adapting to unfamiliar friendships while still missing her previous school friends.

Throughout the conversation, the participant disclosed her struggle with expressing her

emotions openly. This difficulty stems from her family expectations that force her to not display

emotions, a quality often deemed 'dramatic’ by her parents especially because she is the older

child. The outcome of her restrained emotional expression is evident in her resolute commitment

to redirect her emotions into offering unwavering support to her younger brother, standing as a

constant and dependable source of strength for him.

It is very interesting to observe that she does not look unhappy or dissatisfied with her life

even though she expressed these feelings. She says it does not bother her much and that she is

fine the way she is living at the moment even though she would want more support and care. The

phenomenon can be compared to helplessness, which makes her not mind the situation she is in

or that it is what she has always seen as even her score on the inventory is not alarming.
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Besides the fact that she does not get much support at home, she claims that her

childhood friends make up for it. They have been of great help in her journey to be confident and

while she is with them, as she can talk about things that she would not normally talk about.

Intriguingly, the interview also touched upon her romantic inclinations, revealing an

unreciprocated affection for a certain individual. Despite this emotional setback, the participant is

optimistic. She exhibits a remarkable ability to maintain a hopeful outlook, expressing that she is

quite sure she will find romantic connections as she embarks on her college journey. The

participant’s aspirations extend to her desire to become an English teacher. This enduring dream,

she shared, has been a beacon of her ambitions, driving her towards a vocation where she can

impart knowledge and inspire young minds.

In conclusion, the interview with the participant painted a vivid portrait of a multifaceted

individual shaped by diverse experiences, emotions, and aspirations. Her altruistic nature,

resilience in the face of challenges, and unyielding commitment to her dreams were palpable

throughout our conversation. Even though the participant did not get a very high score on the

inventory, it is evident that she would want a bit more support and care, especially from her

parents.

Conclusion

The score obtained by the participant is 13 which indicates that the participant has mild mood

disturbance.
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References

Baddeley, J. (2008, November 3). Depression and its metaphors. Psychology Today. Retrieved

August 31, 2023, from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/embracing-the-dark-side/200811/depression-a

nd-its-metaphors

Behavioral theories of depression. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_theories_of_depression

Cuncic, A. (n.d.). Beck Depression Inventory: Uses, Reliability, Where to Take the Test. Verywell

Mind. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-beck-depression-inventory-5294126

Cuncic, A. (n.d.). Examples of Psychodynamic Therapy to Treat Depression. Verywell Mind.

Retrieved August 30, 2023, from

https://www.verywellmind.com/psychodynamic-therapy-for-depression-5085728

Depression. (n.d.). American Psychological Association. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/

Depression Cognitive Theory Of Depression - Aaron Beck. (n.d.). MentalHelp.net. Retrieved

August 31, 2023, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/depression/cognitive-theories/

Hiranandani, N. (2016, February 15). With 36% of India depressed, we must end taboo around

mental health. The Indian Express. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://indianexpress.com/article/blogs/with-36-of-india-depressed-we-must-end-taboo-ar

ound-mental-health/

Indians' perception of mental health increased significantly: Survey. (2021, December 8).

Business Standard. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indians-perception-of-mental-h

ealth-increased-significantly-survey-121120801191_1.html

Mcleod, S. (2023, June 15). Psychological Theories of Depression. Simply Psychology.

Retrieved August 31, 2023, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/depression.html

Rathore, M. (2023, August 24). India - gender distribution of depression index by age group

2019. Statista. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1137306/india-gender-distribution-of-depression-index

-by-age-group/

Symptoms - Depression in adults. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved August 31, 2023, from

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/symptoms/

Remarks :

Supervisor’s signature :
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Appendix
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