The Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale: Updated Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and National...

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (DBDRS) is a key tool for assessing behavioral issues in children.
• Establishing caregiver-report national norms is crucial for accurate interpretation of DBDRS scores.
• Previous evaluations of the DBDRS factor structure and measurement invariance require updating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the first caregiver-report national norms for the DBDRS.
• To conduct an updated evaluation of the DBDRS's factor structure.
• To assess the measurement invariance of the DBDRS across child sex, informant sex, and child age.

Main Methods:

• A national sample of 962 US caregivers of children aged 5-12 years completed the four DBDRS subscales.
• Confirmatory factor analyses were employed using both severity and dichotomous scoring.
• Measurement invariance was tested across demographic variables.

Main Results:

• A four-factor model, encompassing inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive, oppositional defiant, and conduct disorder symptoms, was supported.
• The DBDRS demonstrated measurement invariance across child sex, informant sex, and child age.
• Modest group differences were observed: boys reported higher symptom severity than girls, female caregivers rated ADHD symptoms as more severe than male caregivers, and older children exhibited more inattention than younger children.

Conclusions:

• The DBDRS is a psychometrically sound measure for school-aged youth.
• The established caregiver-report norms enhance the clinical and research utility of the DBDRS.
• The findings support the continued use of the DBDRS in evaluating disruptive behavior disorders.