Convergent validity of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth.

This study investigated the convergent validity of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth in a sample of 34 children (22 boys, 12 girls) who ranged in age from 7 to 14 years (M= 11.3, SD=2.3) by comparing scores with simultaneous ratings on the Children's Depression Inventory. Analysis indicated that the sets of scores correlated very strongly regardless of age or sex. Given that this Beck Depression Inventory has fewer items and is guided by a strong theoretical premise, this scale may be a valuable tool for use with youth by clinicians in various mental health disciplines.