EVALUATING JOINT MODELS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND PERSONALITY ITEMS IN CHILDREN

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychopathology Research

Background:

• Taxonomic models of psychopathology and personality show significant overlap but are often studied in isolation.
• Integrating these frameworks can incorporate crucial constructs missed in traditional psychopathology models.
• Consensus on the optimal joint factor structure, especially for childhood, remains elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the fit of two-, three-, and four-factor bifactor models integrating child psychopathology and personality data.
• To determine the most interpretable and reliable joint factor structure for childhood psychopathology and personality.
• To assess the added value of positive affectivity in predicting child depression within integrated models.

Main Methods:

• Parent-report data were collected from 649 children aged 8-12.
• Four-factor, three-factor, and two-factor bifactor models were compared using goodness of fit indices.
• The predictive utility of the internalizing factor, with and without positive affectivity, was examined for depression.

Main Results:

• A four-factor model showed the best fit based on traditional indices.
• A two-factor internalizing/externalizing model met interpretability and reliability criteria.
• Including positive affectivity improved the prediction of depression by the internalizing factor.

Conclusions:

• The traditional two-factor internalizing/externalizing model provides a robust structure for research and clinical application in child psychopathology.
• This model can be enhanced by incorporating dimensions of temperament, such as positive affectivity.
• Future research should consider integrated models that balance statistical fit with clinical interpretability.