A comparison of elevation and differentiation of SCL-90R item scores and scale scores between a distressed university outpatient population and a non-distressed control group.

The SCL-90R symptom ratings and the dimensional scale scores of 175 outpatients seeking psychological assistance at a University Psychological Services Centre were compared to those of 126 University students, not participating in psychological treatment. The clinical group reported more symptoms and rated symptoms as more severe than the control group. Symptom ratings were found to be more variable for the clinical group. The SCL-90R dimensional scale scores were more elevated and less variable for the clinical group. Gender-related differences in profile configurations and scale score variability were found in the clinical group. Males and females in the clinical group differed on the elevation of the Obsessive-Compulsive, Depression, Anxiety and Phobic Anxiety scales. Compared to females in the clinical group, males demonstrated less scale score variability. Interpretation of this result led to the suggestion that under acute psychological distress males may respond to SCL-90R items according to a different style than females. It is suggested that males may experience their symptomatology as less differentiated when under acute distress than females. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1991 .W547. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 30-04, page: 1505. Chair: J. Porter. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1990