Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Borderline Syndrome Index

Abstract

The convergent and discriminant validity of the Borderline Syndrome Index was examined by using a multitrait-multimethod matrix 80 subjects with DSM-III—R diagnoses of Borderline Personality Disorder completed three self-report measures, namely, the Borderline Syndrome Index, the MMPI Schizophrenia subscale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. A semistructured interview was blindly conducted with each subject, and symptom ratings were made on the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines, New Haven Schizophrenia Index, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. High convergent validity was found on the Borderline Index and the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines. While fulfilling most of the criteria for discriminant validity, the Borderline Syndrome Index scores were also significantly correlated with depression scores on the Beck and Hamilton measures of depression.