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This article examines the efficacy of a behavior disorder assessment study. Topics include disruptive behavior, conduct disorder, and sex differences.

An overview is presented on the Amsterdam Scale of Oppositionality, a self-reporting methodology for measuring oppositional defiant disorder in children. Studies on the scale indicate that best fitting models consisted of mutually related situational factors and strongly related behavioral and emotional factors. In studies using the scale, oppositionality was found to be primarily situation-specific.

Two algorithms are assessed for clinical diagnosis of autism: the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) and the autistic spectrum disorder developed by Lorna Wing and Judith Gould. While inter-rater reliability was high for both of the algorithms, the ICD-10 produced discrepant diagnoses more frequently than the Wing and Gould algorithm. An analysis of items in the ICD-10 explain the discrepancies.

Research confirms a high inter-rater reliability for the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders schedule, used for identifying autism and similar disorders in children and for assessing individual care needs.

This article evaluates psychometric models' abilities to accurately measure genetic and environmental aspects of twins' problem behaviors.

Research presented concerns the classification of child psychopathological disorders, focusing on the validity questionnaires developed from the American Psychiatric Association's 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.' Topics addressed include the differences between empirical and clinical taxonomies.

Three measures commonly used in assessment of social phobia, the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI [Turner, S. M., Beidel, D. C. & Dancu, C. V. (1996). Social phobia and anxiety inventory: manual. Toronto, Ont.: Multi-Health Systems Inc.), the Social Phobia Scale (SPS [Mattick, R. P. & Clarke, J. C. (1998). Development and validation of measures of social phobia scrutiny fear and social interaction anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36, 455-470] and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS [Mattick, R. P. & Clarke, J. C. (1998). Development and validation of measures of social phobia scrutiny fear and social interaction anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36, 455-470], were compared for their ability to discriminate between social phobia and other anxiety disorders (panic disorder with or without agoraphobia). Participants were 117 patients attending a specialized anxiety disorders unit for treatment. While all three measures were able to detect differences between social phobic patients and patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, a logistic regression analysis showed that the SPAI, but not the SPS and SIAS, was a significant predictor of membership of the social phobia group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis also showed that the SPAI was the better measure for discriminating between social phobia and panic disorder with and without agoraphobia. Analysis of the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive power of the measures at the optimum cutoff scores produced by the ROC analysis are presented.

This study examines the discriminant validity of the Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-40) in a clinical sample. The TSC-40 was developed as a research instrument for assessing the impact of a history of sexual victimization. Previous validity studies used nonclinical samples of women (Elliott & Briere, 1992; Gold, Milan, Myall, & Johnson, 1994). In the present study, the TSC-40 was administered to 103 men and 79 women requesting services at two outpatient clinics. Information about sexual victimization was collected from the client during intake and from the therapist after the client had received 6 months of therapy. A history of CSA was associated both with high symptom levels across symptom dimensions, and, specifically, with elevation on the trauma subscale of the TSC-40. The findings support the view that, in a clinical setting, CSA is associated both with generalized distress and with PTSD symptoms. Key Words - TSC-40, Validity, Victimization.

A new instrument assessing risk in substance abuse-affected families is presented. The instrument assesses those dimensions of substance abuse that make it more difficult for parents to meet the basic needs of their children. It also assesses those components of the parent's environment that may increase risk to the family's well-being. Information is presented on the instrument's reliability and validity. The article concludes with a discussion of the issues involved in assessing the risk for child abuse and neglect in families where there is an identified substance abuse problem. Key Words - Risk, Assessment, Substance abuse, Child welfare.

In this study we validated the Spanish version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) in a sample of anxiety disordered patients. The results revealed that: (1) ASI scores were higher for anxiety disordered patients than for normal control subjects, and higher for patients with panic disorder (PD) than for patients with other anxiety disorders (OAD). In contrast, there were no differences among the groups on the Cognitive-Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire (CSAQ). (2) Using discriminant analysis, we were able to differentiate PD patients from patients with OAD on the ASI, but not on the CSAQ. (3) Results supported a unidimensional factor-structure for the ASI. (4) Data provide cross-cultural evidence for construct validity and concurrent validity of the Spanish ASI, and provide further evidence for the usefulness of the concept of anxiety sensitivity.

This paper discusses the influence that 'beliefs concerning the corrective effects of punishment' have on child punishment and abuse in a Mexican population. One hundred and five mothers responded to a questionnaire measuring these beliefs, and their responses were contrasted with the report those mothers gave regarding the physical punishment they inflict upon their children. A scale consisting of six items registering beliefs was developed and administered. The reliability (internal consistency) of the scale was assessed, and its validity was tested by using a factor analytic structural equations model which produced high factorial loadings from a 'beliefs' factor to the scale's items. This was interpreted as a confirmation of construct validity. An indication of predictive validity was found in a high, significant structural correlation between the beliefs factor and a 'corrective punishment' factor, measured by a series of related items. Mothers reported as abusing their children produced higher scores on the 'beliefs' scale as compared to 'control' mothers. The direct, significant effect of parent's beliefs on the punishment of children explains much about the child maltreatment problem in the studied society. Key Words - Disciplinary beliefs, Corrective punishment, Severe punishment, Mexican mothers.

The development of methods for demonstrating clinical (in addition to statistical) significance has been referred to as one of the major advances in outcome research. In a recent article, Speer (1992; Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60, 402-408) suggested that the Reliable Change (RC) Index neglects possible confounding of improvement rate estimates by regression to the mean, to which latter's existence he concludes when a negative correlation between initial score and amount of change is observed. Speer (1992) proposed an alternative method that incorporates an adjustment which minimizes this confound when statistical regression has been empirically shown to be present. In the present paper, it is argued that both the rationale for arriving at this alternative method and the method itself are erroneous. Introducing |RC.sub.ID~, the present authors provide a modification and refinement of the RC Index by improving the pre-post difference score, taking into account regression to the mean due to measurement unreliability. Further advantages of the |RC.sub.ID~ Index are briefly discussed.

Given recent conceptualizations of trichotillomania (TM) as a variant of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), clinician-rated measures of obsessive compulsive symptoms have been adapted for use in the assessment of TM. Although the reliability and validity of these instruments have been well-documented in patients with OCD, psychometric properties have not been examined systematically in patients with TM. Here, we evaluate the reliability and validity of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) in a sample of 11 patients with a primary diagnosis of TM. Data addressed the utility of the Y-BOCS for evaluating symptoms of TM, and provided information regarding the proposed overlap between OCD and TM. Initial analyses suggested that interrater reliability, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability for the total score were adequate. However, the range of scores was somewhat restricted, and suggested in particular that interference in daily functioning from TM symptoms is quite low. Both internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the Target Behaviors subscale were inadequate, suggesting that this combined score is inappropriate for use with TM patients. Concurrent validity data using the total score were mixed, although the Y-BOCS did appear to be sensitive to change in TM symptoms over treatment. Implications for the use of the Y-BOCS with TM patients and hypothesized phenomenological differences between TM and OCD are discussed.

Three related issues concerning the theory, measurement and clinical utility of the fear of fear construct as operationalized by the Agoraphobic Cognitions and Bodily Sensations Questionnaires (Chambless, Caputo, Bright & Gallagher, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 52, 1090-1097, 1984) were addressed: stability of ranked scores, stability of means (retest effect) and predictive ability. In addition to measures assessing moods and enduring personality traits, the relevant fear of fear scales (and introducing a companion frequency measure to the BSQ-intensity scale) were administered to somewhat over 60 clients with 'panic disorder with agoraphobia' or 'agoraphobia without a history of panic attacks' on two occasions, 3 months apart, with no intervention having taken place between first and second testing. As predicted, ranked fear of fear scores were highly stable. In addition, Howarth's mu index values pointed to the description of the fear of fear constructs in terms of traits. Specific fear of fear scales showed evidence of a retest effect. The short-term course of agoraphobic avoidance behaviour in un treated cases was predictable from specific fear of fear variables, even after controlling for their shared variance with pre-test measures of either state anxiety-panic or trait neuroticism. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Summary - This study presents data on dimensional structure, reliability, convergent and divergent validity of the Padua Inventory (PI). In a sample (n = 430) of normal Dutch subjects. The dimensional structure and the strength of the factors were comparable to those found in the Italian sample. The reliability of the PI was found to be satisfactory. As hypothesized substantial correlations were found between the PI and related scales of the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and between the PI and the subscales Sensitivity, Hostility and Depression of the revised version of the Symptom Checklist. Low correlations were found between the PI on the one side and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire revised Extraversion, Psychoticism and Social Desirability scale on the other side. Finally, the mean score of the PI differs across the Italian, American and Dutch samples. This is of theoretical interest and deserves further study.

We have developed a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure the psychological consequences of screening mammography. The questionnaire measures the effect of screening on an individual's functioning on emotional, social, and physical life domains. Content validity was ensured by extensive review of the relevant literature, discussion with professionals and interviews with attenders at a pilot Breast X-ray Screening Program in Melbourne, Australia. Discriminant validity was assessed by having expert judges sort items into dimensions which they appeared to be measuring. Acceptable levels of concordance (above 80%) with a priori classifications were found. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by comparison of subscale scores of 53 attenders at the Breast X-ray Program with an independent interview assessment of dysfunction on each of the emotional, social and physical dimensions. There was over 79% agreement between interview scores and questionnaire scores for each dimension. Construct validity was confirmed by showing that subscale scores varied in predicted ways. For women who were recalled for further investigation, scores on each subscale measuring negative consequences, were higher at the recall clinic than at screening clinic (emotional: t = - 7.28; df = 70; P < 0.001; physical: t = - 2.53; df = 70; P = 0.014; social: t = - 2.49; df = 70; P = 0.015). The internal consistency of all subscales was found to be acceptable. This questionnaire is potentially useful for assessing the psychological consequences of the screening process and should have wide application.

The present report describes the development of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire to measure the trait of worry. The 16-item instrument emerged from factor analysis of a large number of items and was found to possess high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. The questionnaire correlates predictably with several psychological measures reasonably related to worry, and does not correlate with other measures more remote to the construct. Responses to the questionnaire are not influenced by social desirability. The measure was found to significantly discriminate college samples (a) who met all, some, or none of the DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and (b) who met criteria for GAD vs posttraumatic stress disorder. Among 34 GAD-diagnosed clinical subjects, the worry questionnaire was found not to correlate with other measures of anxiety or depression, indicating that it is tapping an independent construct with severely anxious individuals, and coping desensitization plus cognitive therapy was found to produce significantly greater reductions in the measure than did a nondirective therapy condition.

This article presents the Agoraphobia Scale (AS), and evidence for its reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change after treatment. The scale consists of 20 items depicting various typical agoraphibic situations, which are rated for anxiety/discomfort (0-4) and avoidance (0-2). The results show that AS has high internal consistency. Regarding concurrent validity it correlated significantly with other self-reported measures of agoraphobia (Mobility Inventory and Fear Questionnaire). The scale's predictive validity was shown as it correlated with avoidance behavior and self-rated anxiety during both an individualized and a standardized behavioral test of agoraphobia. The AS also discriminated between an agoraphobic sample and a normal sample, and a sample of simple phobia patients. Finally, it was sensitive to changes after behavioral treatment. The AS is useful both as a state, and as an outcome self-report measure of agoraphobia.

PATHOS is a concurrently valid screening instrument for identifying high-risk adolescents with overdose-related depression, hopelessness, premeditation, and suicidal intent. It can predict a high-risk group with 100% sensitivity, 57% specificity, and low false positive rate. These results prove that PATHOS is an important aid for non-psychiatric assessment. However, over-reliance on PATHOS for excluding not-high-risk adolescents is dangerous.

Objective: The aims of this study are to demonstrate 1) the criterion validity of the Abel Assessment for sexual interest[TM] (AASI) based on its ability to discriminate between non child molesters and admitting child molesters, and 2) its resistance to falsification based on its ability to discriminate between liar-denier child molesters and non child molesters. Method: A group of 747 participants matched by age, race, and income was used to develop three logistic regression equations. The models compare a group of non child molesting patients under evaluation for other paraphilias to three groups: 1) a group of admitting molesters of girls under 14 years of age, 2) a group of admitting molesters of boys under 14 years of age, and 3) a group believed to be concealing or denying having molested. Results: Both of the equations designed to discriminate between admitting child molesters and non child molesters were statistically significant. The equation contrasting child molesters attempting to conceal or deny their behavior and non child molesting patients was also statistically significant. Conclusions: The models classifying admitting child molesters versus non child molesters demonstrate criterion validity, while the third model provides evidence of the AASI's resistance to falsification and its utility as a tool in the detection of child molesters who deny the behavior. Results of the equations are reported and suggestions for their use are discussed. [C] 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Logistic regression; Child molestation; Classification models; Falsification; Adult males

The current article examines the development and validation of the Drinking Context Scale through the use of confirmatory factor analysis. The scale measures the self-reported likelihood of excessive drinking across a number of specific social--cognitive drinking contexts. Five-hundred-and-five college students adjudicated for breaking university drinking rules filled out the anonymous questionnaire. Three factors including convivial, intimate, and negative coping contexts were confirmed, and these factors demonstrated good reliability and evidence of concurrent validity with other substance abuse indices, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the College Alcohol Problem Scale. Implications for the DCS as an assessment tool for prevention and early intervention with young people are discussed. [C] 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Youthful drinking; Assessment; Substance abuse; Drinking context; Situational drinking; College students; Alcohol instruments; Confirmatory factor analysis

In the present study we report: (1) normative data on the Spanish version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI); and (2) empirical evidence related to differentiation between the constructs of anxiety sensitivity and trait anxiety. A sample of 390 university students (ranging in age from 18 to 34 years) completed the ASI and Spielberger's Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-T). The means and standard deviations for the Spanish version of the ASI are similar to the ones reported by Peterson and Reiss (Anxiety Sensitivity Index Manual, 2nd edition. Worthington, OH: International Diagnostic Systems, 1992) for the English version. Factor analysis of the joint ASI and STAI-T items yielded two different factors; the STAI-T items load onto one factor (i.e., the trait anxiety factor) and the ASI items load onto the other factor (i.e., the anxiety sensitivity factor). Findings provide empirical support for validation of the Spanish ASI and are consistent with a construct distinction between anxiety sensitivity and trait anxiety. [C] 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Anxiety sensitivity; Trait anxiety; Anxiety Sensitivity Index; Factor analysis

The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI) is an empirically derived self-report inventory developed as a specific measure of social phobia. The current investigation included two studies. The first examined the correlation of the SPAI with daily social behavior of a clinic sample of social phobics. The results indicated that the SPAI provides a reasonable indication of the distress experienced during daily social encounters in three dimensions: behavior, cognitions, and overall distress. The second study examined the validity of the SPAI with reference to the somatic response and avoidance behavior of social phobics. The results indicated that the somatic items of the SPAI are related to the somatic response of social phobics and that performance on the SPAI is associated with avoidance behavior in an anxiety-producing task.

We compare two methods of assessing explanatory style--the content analysis of verbatim explanations (CAVE) and the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ). The CAVE technique is a method that allows the researcher to analyze any naturally occurring verbatim materials for explanatory style. This technique permits the measurement of various populations that are unwilling or unable to take the ASQ. We administered the ASQ and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to 169 undergraduates and content analyzed the written causes on the ASQ for explanatory style by the CAVE technique. The CAVE technique correlated 0.71 with the ASQ (P < 0.0001, n = 159) and -0.36 with BDI (P < 0.0001, n = 159). The ASQ correlated -0.51 with the BDI (P < 0.0001, n = 160). Both the CAVE technique and the ASQ seem to be valid devices for assessing explanatory style.

The presence of overvalued ideas in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been theoretically linked to poorer treatment outcome [Kozak, M. J. & Foa, E. B. (1994). Obsessions, overvalued ideas and delusions in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 32, 1343-353]. To date, no measures have been developed which quantitatively assess levels of overvalued ideas in obsessive-compulsives. The present studies examined the psychometric properties of a scale developed to measure this form of psychopathology, the Overvalued Ideas Scale (OVIS). In study 1, 102 patients diagnosed with OCD were administered a battery of instruments including the OVIS at baseline and two weeks later, prior to initiating treatment. Results indicate that the OVIS has adequate internal consistency reliability (coefficient [Alpha] = 0.88 at baseline), test-retest reliability (r = 0.86) and interrater reliability (r = 0.88). Moderate to high levels of convergent validity was found with measures of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, a single item assessment of overvalued ideas and psychotic symptoms. Medium levels of discriminant validity with measures of anxiety and depression was obtained in this study. Individuals determined to have high OVI showed greater stability of this pathology than those with lower OVI, suggesting that overvalued ideas are stable for extreme scorers. In study 2 a total of 40 patients participated who were diagnosed with OCD. The same battery of instruments was administered as in study 1, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventories. Results were similar to that obtained in study 1, including a relative lack of discriminant validity with self-report measures of depression and anxiety. It is suggested that further research with the OVIS may show predictive value in treatment outcome studies of OCD.

The role of response stability in the measurement of coping is examined with a focus on the unique information that can be gleaned from low test-retest reliability ('inconsistency'). Data from two studies are presented in which a card sort measure of coping flexibility was used on people with three different chronic diseases and the elderly (n = 219). We begin by testing the hypothesis that the low stability reflects unreliability due to measurement artifacts, such as random error, low ecological validity, long test - retest interval, surrogate assistance, or error due to completing the questionnaire in multiple sittings. Our findings suggest that surrogate assistance in completing questionnaires was the only measurement artifact associated with low stability. We then tested the proposition that low stability reflects a genuine behavior pattern (i.e. inconsistency). Hierarchical modeling revealed that measurement artifact accounted for less than one percent of the variance in inconsistency in reported coping behavior and that an additional 21% of the variance could be explained by the behavioral factors, including neuropsychological problems (9%), psychological morbidity (4%), locus of control (3%) and eudaimonistic well-being (5%). Thus inconsistency in reported coping behavior was better explained by behavioral and psychosocial factors than by the tested measurement artifacts. We conclude that inconsistency in reported coping behavior does indeed reflect a meaningful behavior pattern, rather than simply measurement artifact.