Can the Social Behavior Questionnaire help meet the need for dimensional, transdiagnostic measures of childhood and adolescent psychopathology?

Abstract

Background: The shift towards transdiagnostic and dimensional approaches to psychopathology research has created a growing need for psychometric assessments that reflect this conceptualisation. Aims: We aimed to test whether an omnibus measure of psychopathology: the Social Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), has suitable properties to serve as a dimensional, transdiagnostic assessment. Method: We used an item response theory approach to evaluate the reliable ranges of measurement of the psychopathology dimensions measured by the SBQ. Results: For the dimensions of ADHD, Prosociality, Internalising and Externalising, the SBQ can provide a reliable measure for below average to very high levels in a normative sample. Keywords: transdiagnostic, dimensional, psychopathology, social behaviour questionnaire, item response theory