The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) - Service correctionnel du Canada

However, 3.0% (27) of the offenders were experiencing distress (T-score of 65 or above)
according to the DHS Depression scale, but not on the Global Severity Index of the BSI. As
would be expected given that the Global Severity Index screens for a broader range of
symptoms, 16.0% (145) of the offenders reported experiencing distress on the Global
Severity Index but not on the DHS Depression scale (adding this group to the combined DHS
and GSI group produces the 38% overall rate reported earlier). Estimates of offenders who
may need additional screening would combine the percentage at the cut-offs on the BSI with
the additional 3% who scored at cut-off on the DHS but not on the BSI.
Table 15
Overlap Between BSI and DHS: T- Scores Based on Non Patient Norms on the BSI and
Offender Norms on the DHS
T-score greater than 65 N %
Neither GSI nor DHS 533 58.7
Both GSI and DHS 203 22.4
GSI only 145 16.0
DHS only 27 3.0
Correlations of BSI and DHS Depression Scale Scores with Markers of Mental
Disorder. Table 16 presents the results of point-biserial correlations using the BSI Global
Severity Index and the DHS Depression Scale and several offender profile variables related
to mental health. Although all of the correlations were small to moderate, they were
significant and in the expected direction for both the Global Severity Index on the BSI and
the Depression scale on the DHS. Neither scale had consistently stronger correlations than
the other. This demonstrates a significant relationship between factors associated with mental
disturbance and the scores on measures in the CoMHISS among male federal offenders.
31