Classifying COAs with three variations of the CAST: classification rates, stability, and gender differences

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Child Development
• Addiction Studies

Background:

• Children of alcoholics (COAs) face unique challenges.
• Screening tools are vital for identifying COAs and providing support.
• Longitudinal data on screening tool reliability in adolescents is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST) and a shortened version (CAST-6).
• To analyze classification stability and identify factors influencing COA identification in young adolescents.
• To compare gender differences in COA identification and screening tool endorsement.

Main Methods:

• Administered the full CAST and CAST-6 to sixth graders, with a follow-up one year later.
• Examined internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the screening tools.
• Analyzed three classification rules and compared self-identification rates between genders.

Main Results:

• The CAST demonstrated adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
• Most adolescents maintained consistent COA/NCOA classification over one year.
• Boys showed significant declines in CAST scores and self-identified COA status.
• Girls were more likely than boys to endorse items related to parental alcoholism and self-identify as COAs.
• Using confirmatory items reduced self-identified COA percentages.

Conclusions:

• The CAST is a reliable tool for identifying children of alcoholics in adolescents.
• Gender differences significantly impact COA identification and self-reporting.
• Further research is needed to understand declining scores in boys and refine screening methods.