Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD): Further validation of the parent-report version in a nationally representative U.S. sample of 10- to 17-year-olds.

The Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD; Salekin & Hare, 2016) is a new self-report and informant measure designed to assess psychopathic characteristic domains along with symptoms of conduct disorder in youth. Previous factor analytic studies on the PSCD have found that the items are accounted for by a four-factor model reflecting grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms. The present study examined the factor structure, psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity of the parent-report version of the PSCD (PSCD-P) in a nationally representative U.S. sample of children and adolescents (N = 1,091, Mage = 13.39, SD = 2.20, range age = 10-17; 50.0% boys, 76% White). Confirmatory factor analyses for the full (24-item) and a shortened (13-item) PSCD-P revealed good internal reliability estimates and support for the four-factor model (grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, CD). Results also provided evidence for (a) measurement invariance of the PSCD-P items across sex, race/ethnicity, and age of the child; (b) convergent validity with CD/oppositional defiant disorder symptoms and discriminant validity with a measure of neuroticism; and (c) criterion-related validity with respect to prosociality, peer and family functioning, reactive and proactive aggression, delinquency, academic performance, and substance use. The prevalence for psychopathic personality propensity was found to be 2%. We discuss clinical and research implications regarding the use of the parent-report version of the PSCD for school-aged children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Parent and Teacher Ratings of Tonic and Phasic Irritability in a Clinical Sample.

Research on tonic (persistently angry or grumpy mood) and phasic (temper tantrums/outbursts) irritability in youth has utilized community samples and information from parents and youth. We examined whether tonic and phasic irritability are empirically distinguishable and have similar correlates using teacher, in addition to parent, reports in a clinical sample of children and adolescents. The sample included youth aged 5-18 evaluated at a university outpatient clinic, with complete information from 2481 parents and 2449 teachers. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using items from several parent- and teacher-report inventories and examined concurrent associations with psychopathology and functioning. The CFA supported a two-factor model consistent with tonic and phasic irritability in both parent- and teacher-reports. Parent-reported tonic irritability was associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders, suicidality, and antidepressant medication use. Teacher-reported tonic irritability was associated with elevated rates of depression and antidepressant use. Both parent- and teacher-reported phasic irritability were linked to higher rates of ADHD combined type, oppositional defiant/conduct disorders, and referral for rages. Parent- and teacher-reported tonic and phasic irritability were all associated with impaired social functioning. Parents and teachers can distinguish tonic and phasic irritability, which are associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. Findings were generally consistent across informants, and with prior studies using community samples.