Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2022
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Sara E Lowmaster
Abstract
In light of recent grievances with categorical conceptualizations of psychopathology, researchers recommend shifting away from categorical toward dimensional conceptualizations. However, research on dimensional conceptualizations and existing measurement tools’ ability to capture these dimensions is still in its early stages. Specifically, special attention has been paid to the externalizing dimension’s structure as a general dimension or two specific dimensions with shared characteristics (i.e., disinhibited externalizing and antagonistic externalizing). The current study aims to validate the PAI’s dimensional structure, focusing on the externalizing dimensions as depicted by the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) model, an emerging dimensional model of psychopathology. Participants were 924 adults who have been legally involved. Archival data including scores on a broadband measure of psychopathology and a combination of self-reported and collateral-reported external correlates were analyzed. The exploratory factor model had a six-factor structure resembling HiTOP, and the exploratory bifactor model had a five-specific-factor structure with Internalizing subscales absorbed into the general factor. The final six-factor model had acceptable fit and bifactor model met SRMR criteria for acceptable fit, but not RMSEA criteria. Additionally, correlations with criterion variables showed some significant correlations that were small in size. Study hypotheses were therefore only partially supported. The current findings suggest the PAI may be an effective measure of HiTOP spectra and subspectra, although additional research on the structure’s stability and external validity are needed. Implications for research and adjustments to theoretical frameworks are discussed.
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Keywords
Dimensional Externalizing, Factor analysis, HiTOP, Measurement, Psychopathology
Number of Pages
133
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Doss, Robert, "EXTERNALIZING PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE CRIMINALLY OFFENDED: FACTOR STRUCTURE AND DIFFERENTIAL OUTCOME ASSOCIATIONS" (2022). Dissertations and Theses. 308.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/308
