Get 20M+ Full-Text Papers For Less Than $1.50/day. Start a 7-Day Trial for You or Your Team.

Learn More →

DSM‐IV Internal Construct Validity: When a Taxonomy Meets Data

DSM‐IV Internal Construct Validity: When a Taxonomy Meets Data The use of DSM‐IV based questionnaires in child psychopathology is on the increase. The internal construct validity of a DSM‐IV based model of ADHD, CD, ODD, Generalised Anxiety, and Depression was investigated in 11 samples by confirmatory factor analysis. The factorial structure of these syndrome dimensions was supported by the data. However, the model did not meet absolute standards of good model fit. Two sources of error are discussed in detail: multidimensionality of syndrome scales, and the presence of many symptoms that are diagnostically ambiguous with regard to the targeted syndrome dimension. It is argued that measurement precision may be increased by more careful operationalisation of the symptoms in the questionnaire. Additional approaches towards improved conceptualisation of DSM‐IV are briefly discussed. A sharper DSM‐IV model may improve the accuracy of inferences based on scale scores and provide more precise research findings with regard to relations with variables external to the taxonomy. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Wiley

Loading next page...
 
/lp/wiley/dsm-iv-internal-construct-validity-when-a-taxonomy-meets-data-b72dBGT0y5

References (73)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
2001 Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry
ISSN
0021-9630
eISSN
1469-7610
DOI
10.1111/1469-7610.00778
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The use of DSM‐IV based questionnaires in child psychopathology is on the increase. The internal construct validity of a DSM‐IV based model of ADHD, CD, ODD, Generalised Anxiety, and Depression was investigated in 11 samples by confirmatory factor analysis. The factorial structure of these syndrome dimensions was supported by the data. However, the model did not meet absolute standards of good model fit. Two sources of error are discussed in detail: multidimensionality of syndrome scales, and the presence of many symptoms that are diagnostically ambiguous with regard to the targeted syndrome dimension. It is argued that measurement precision may be increased by more careful operationalisation of the symptoms in the questionnaire. Additional approaches towards improved conceptualisation of DSM‐IV are briefly discussed. A sharper DSM‐IV model may improve the accuracy of inferences based on scale scores and provide more precise research findings with regard to relations with variables external to the taxonomy.

Journal

The Journal of Child Psychology and PsychiatryWiley

Published: Sep 1, 2001

There are no references for this article.