Screening Utility of the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 for Depression in College Students: Relationships with Substantive Scales of the MMPI-3

Meas Eval Couns Dev. 2023;56(3):254-264. doi: 10.1080/07481756.2022.2110899. Epub 2022 Sep 9.

Abstract

We investigated the validity and screening effectiveness of the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 scores in 229 college students in a cross-sectional design. PHQ associations with Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 internalizing scales suggest PHQ scores are effective screening tools for college students and may aid in effective triage and service needs.

Keywords: MMPI-3; college health; depression; psychological assessment.