Discriminant validity of the MMPI depression subtle (D-S) and depression obvious (D-O) scales

This study examined the relationship between diagnostic group membership (i.e., life-time depressed, n = 367; lifetime mixed psychiatric, n = 367; and nonpsychiatric, n = 367) and scores on the Wiener-Harmon Subtle-Obvious scales (Depression Subtle, D-S, and Depression Obvious, D-O) for the Depression (D) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Additionally, the impact of current versus past depressive symptomatology on D-S and DO scores was examined. As expected, D-O scores were significantly related to diagnostic group membership, with higher mean scores found in the depressed groups. However, D-S scores were either unrelated or inversely related to the presence or history of depression. The results are discussed in the context of current empirical literature and clinical practice.