Background This study examines differences in behavioral characteristics among individuals who are not depressed and individuals with subthreshold depression, and depression. Methods We conducted structured interviews with 111 undergraduate students, who also completed self-report scales. The participants were divided into a non-depression group, a subthreshold depression group, and a depression group based on results of the structured interview and the BDI-II. Results There were significant differences in avoidance between depression group and other two groups. Also, for the environmental rewards, there were significant difference between the non-depressed group and the other two groups. Limitations The sample of depressed participants was small. The overall sample consisted only undergraduate students. Conclusions This study reported that there are different behavioral characteristics among non-depression, subthreshold depression, and depression groups. Whereas depression group is characterized by high frequency of avoidance and low environmental rewards, subthreshold depression group is characterized by only low environmental rewards. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.