Predictive validity of four factors derived from an 'hyperactivity/MBD' questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous research linked Tarter's hyperactivity/MBD questionnaire total score to psychopathology, alcohol use, and life functioning.
• The questionnaire's four derived factors require evaluation for differential predictive validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the differential predictive validity of four factors derived from Tarter's hyperactivity/MBD questionnaire.
• To determine if these factors offer more precise insights into psychopathology, behavior, and functioning compared to the total score.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted with 145 inpatient alcoholic men and 34 college men.
• Participants completed the Tarter's hyperactivity/MBD questionnaire and other measures of psychopathology, behavior, and functioning.
• Factor analysis was used to derive four factors, and their predictive validity was examined.

Main Results:

• Factor 1 correlated with hypomania and impulsive behaviors.
• Factor 2 related to psychopathy, sociopathy, criminal behavior, and interpersonal difficulties; its components (attention/socialization) provided further differentiation.
• Factor 3 predicted antisocial personality and behavior, and interpersonal difficulties.
• Factor 4 was associated with visuospatial performance deficits.

Conclusions:

• The four factors derived from Tarter's hyperactivity/MBD questionnaire demonstrated differential predictive validity.
• Analyzing individual factors provides a more nuanced understanding of underlying relationships than the total score.
• These findings support the use of these factors for more precise clinical and research applications.