Is the Occupational Depression Inventory predictive of cognitive performance? A focus on inhibitory control and effortful reasoning

Abstract The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) was recently devised to grade the severity of work-attributed depressive symptoms (dimensional approach) and establish provisional diagnoses of job-ascribed depression (categorical approach). To date, whether ODI-based assessments relate to “objective” (i.e., non-self-reported) indicators of performance is unknown. In this study of 902 educational staff members, we examined the link between occupational depression and cognitive performance. Cognitive performance was evaluated with an extended version of the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT). The CRT focuses on inhibitory control and effortful reasoning and mobilizes working memory resources. The CRT provides information about individuals' decision-making styles (e.g., degree of deliberation). Participants' transient mood was evaluated prior to the test. Dimensional and categorical analyses were conducted. We found the ODI to negatively predict cognitive performance. Hierarchical linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses indicated that the association remained statistically significant controlling for age, sex, and pretest transient mood. Structural regression analysis revealed similar links. The associations observed were small to moderate in size, consistent with research findings pertaining to clinical depression and neuropsychological functioning. Our study suggests that ODI-based assessments are predictive of objective decreases in cognitive performance. Implications for job performance are discussed.