TY - JOUR
T1 - The dimensional nature of externalizing behaviors in adolescence
T2 - Evidence from a direct comparison of categorical, dimensional, and hybrid models
AU - Walton, Kate E.
AU - Ormel, Johan
AU - Krueger, Robert F.
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2011/5
Y1 - 2011/5
N2 - Researchers have recognized the importance of developing an accurate classification system for externalizing disorders, though much of this work has been framed by a priori preferences for categorical vs. dimensional constructs. Newer statistical technologies now allow categorical and dimensional models of psychopathology to be compared empirically. In this study, we directly compared the fit of categorical and dimensional models of externalizing behaviors in a large and representative community sample of adolescents at two time points separated by nearly 2.5 years (N=2027; mean age at Time 1=11.09 years; 50.8% female). Delinquent and aggressive behaviors were assessed with child and parent Child Behavior Checklist reports. Latent trait, latent class, and factor mixture models were fit to the data, and at both time points, the latent trait model provided the best fit to the data. The item parameters were inspected and interpreted, and it was determined that the items were differentially sensitive across all regions of the dimension. We conclude that classification models can be based on empirical evidence rather than a priori preferences, and while current classification systems conceptualize externalizing problems in terms of discrete groups, they can be better conceptualized as dimensions.
AB - Researchers have recognized the importance of developing an accurate classification system for externalizing disorders, though much of this work has been framed by a priori preferences for categorical vs. dimensional constructs. Newer statistical technologies now allow categorical and dimensional models of psychopathology to be compared empirically. In this study, we directly compared the fit of categorical and dimensional models of externalizing behaviors in a large and representative community sample of adolescents at two time points separated by nearly 2.5 years (N=2027; mean age at Time 1=11.09 years; 50.8% female). Delinquent and aggressive behaviors were assessed with child and parent Child Behavior Checklist reports. Latent trait, latent class, and factor mixture models were fit to the data, and at both time points, the latent trait model provided the best fit to the data. The item parameters were inspected and interpreted, and it was determined that the items were differentially sensitive across all regions of the dimension. We conclude that classification models can be based on empirical evidence rather than a priori preferences, and while current classification systems conceptualize externalizing problems in terms of discrete groups, they can be better conceptualized as dimensions.
KW - Externalizing
KW - Factor mixture modeling
KW - Item response theory
KW - Latent class analysis
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U2 - 10.1007/s10802-010-9478-y
DO - 10.1007/s10802-010-9478-y
M3 - Article
C2 - 21210204
AN - SCOPUS:79955683909
SN - 0091-0627
VL - 39
SP - 553
EP - 561
JO - Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
JF - Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
IS - 4
ER -