Psychopathology and college grades.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; A. T. Beck & R. A. Steer, 1987) and a computerized version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (A. G. Blouin, E. L. Perez, & J. H. Blouin, 1998), which was scored according to the criteria of the revised, 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987), were administered to 412 university students. After statistical adjustment for academic potential reflected in college admission test scores was made, semester grades were found to be weakly associated with overall levels of DSM-III-R-defined psychopathology, but not with BDI-defined depression. Substance use disorders were associated with lower semester grade-point averages, whereas anxiety disorders were associated with increased grades. Results suggest psychopathology has a varied and weak association with academic performance. More dynamic models are required to capture the complex interplay between academic success and emotional and behavioral maladjustment.