Psychometric Attributes of the DISC Predictive Scales

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Psychometric Evaluation
• Mental Health Screening

Background:

• The Children Predictive Scales (DPS) is a tool for assessing mental health.
• Evaluating psychometric properties is crucial for reliable screening tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the psychometric attributes and screening efficiency of the Spanish DPS version.
• To compare the Spanish DPS against the Spanish Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV).

Main Methods:

• A pilot cross-sectional study involving 61 children aged 9-14 years.
• Analysis of acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, precision, and predictive validity (AUC).

Main Results:

• High internal consistency (α=0.92) and adequate Standard Error of Measurement (SEM=1.54).
• The Spanish DPS showed an overall AUC of 0.72 against DISC IV diagnoses.
• No significant ceiling or floor effects were observed.

Conclusions:

• The Spanish DPS-4.32 is a reliable and precise instrument for mental health screening in school-aged populations.
• The findings support the use of the Spanish DPS in clinical and educational settings.