Verbal Productivity as a Measure of Change in Affective Status

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Abstract
A measure of change in depression, based on the construct of energy output, was used to differentiate two depressed groups, one which improved and one which was unimproved. Improvement was defined by change in MMPI Depression Scale score. Verbal productivity was chosen as an operational measure of energy output. It was hypothesized that change in depressive status would be reflected in an approach to normal productivity as depression lessened and greater divergence from normal productivity as depression increased. Ss were inpatients whose symptoms, upon admission, included depression. Analysis of covariance, performed to control for initial productivity, showed a significant difference in the hypothesized direction, which was interpreted in terms of psychological defense mechanisms.

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