Line staff use of the behavioral observation system: Assessment of depression scale validity and cut scores

The Behavioral Observation System (BOS) is an objective behavioral tool used by non‐degreed line staff to assess depression, mania, psychosis, and acting out in psychiatric inpatients. The current study uses the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)‐1A to provide evidence for convergent validity for the BOS Depression Scale and to determine effective cut‐scores to assist in BOS interpretation. Findings support substantial correlational agreement between the BOS Depression Scale and the BDI. A discriminant function analysis established a “hit rate” of 82% using a Depression Scale score of 7 or greater to identify those with at least moderate levels of depression. The study data lend further credibility to the use of non‐degreed line staff as a source of data that can aid in treatment decisions. Depression and Anxiety 17:217–219, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.