Análisis factorial y características psicométricas de la Kleinina Psychoanalytic Diagnostic Scale (KPDS) / Factor analysis and psychometric characteristics of the Kleinian Psychoanalytic Diagnostic Scale (KPDS)

El trabajo tiene como objetivo investigar las características psicométricas de la escala Kleinian Psychoanalytic Diagnostic Scale (KPDS) a través del análisis factorial. Además se ha realizado una discusión del sentido conceptual de sus factores a la luz de algunos datos derivados de la capacidad para discriminar pacientes que pertenecen a agrupaciones diagnósticas obtenidas mediante criterios DSM-IV-R, así como de la relación con el test de Rorschach. Los resultados del trabajo sugieren una clara estructura bifactorial con una notable consistencia interna. Los ítems que cargan los dos factores obtenidos parecen tener un sentido clínico conceptualmente coherente con el modelo teórico que ha inspirado la escala (AU)

This paper studies the psychometric properties of the Kleinina Psychoanalytic Diagnostic Scale (KPDS) by using factor analysis. It reviews the scale´s ability to distinguish between DSM IV TR diagnoses, and also examines the relation between the KPDS and the Rorschach Test. The results suggest that the KPDS has a clear bi-factorial structure with a highly significant internal consistency. The items which correspond to each of the obtained factors bear a conceptually coherent clinical sense with the theoretical model inspiring the Scale (AU)

An evaluation of a case of agenesis of the corpus callosum with Rourke's nonverbal learning disorder model.

This article evaluates the case of an 11-year-old male with congenital agenesis of the corpus callosum, against Rourke's NLD models. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was completed, and impairments with attention, movement, fine motor and sensory perception, visuo-spatial organization, and verbal memory were identified. Additionally, a volumetric analysis of the magnetic resonance image (MRI) was completed. Although no gross structural abnormalities, beyond agenesis, were present, the possibility of unobservable abnormalities was considered. Many predicted NLD deficits were clearly evidenced in this case, including associated behavioral problems. This study concludes that although Rourke's NLD model is descriptive of many aspects of white matter impairments, it may not account for the full range or severity of deficits that may be observed. In callosal agenesis, children may exhibit verbal learning, auditory attentional, and verbal expressive difficulties.

PLS model building: a multivariate approach to personality test data.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate how personality test data can be plotted with a multivariate method known as Partial Least Squares of Latent Structures (PLS). The basic methodology behind PLS modeling is presented and the example demonstrates how a PLS model of personality test data can be used for diagnostic prediction. Principles for validating the models are also presented. The conclusion is that PLS modeling appears to be a powerful method for extracting clinically relevant information from complex personality test data matrixes. It could be used as a complement to more hard modeling methods in the process of examining a new area of interest.

A study of nonpatient preadolescent Rorschach protocols.

There is a paucity of peer-reviewed, nonpatient Rorschach studies in psychological journals, particularly for children. This study examined 100 preteenage children, using the Comprehensive System to code their Rorschach protocols. The participants were also evaluated with the Conners Parent Rating Scale-93 (Conners, 1989) and 5 exclusionary behavior criteria. The 100 participants demonstrated better than average behaviors. The results presented include all the ratios and indexes found in the nonpatient statistics for the Comprehensive System. We discuss interrater reliability issues and offer recommendations for further cross-validating research.

Risk factors for violent behavior among incarcerated male psychiatric patients: a multimethod approach.

A multimethod approach that included demographic, criminal offense, drug use, neuropsychological, Rorschach, psychiatric diagnosis, and psychopathy characteristics was used to evaluate 131 incarcerated male psychiatric inpatients. Each criminal offense was ranked from nonviolent to severely violent, and participants were classified as having lifetime histories of either high or low violent behavior. Univariate analyses revealed 12 characteristics which independently discriminated inmates with lifetime histories of high or low violent behavior (married, non-Caucasian race, Axis I psychotic diagnosis, drug other than alcohol or marijuana used most, positive for psychopathy on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised, scores indicating impairment on the Halstead Impairment Index and Category Test, and five Rorschach measures). Logistic regression revealed that eight of those characteristics (married, non-Caucasian race, Axis I psychotic diagnosis, positive for psychopathy on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised, scores indicating impairment on the Halstead Impairment Index, and Rorschach Coping Deficit Index, Personal Responses, and Raw Sum Special Scores) significantly contributed to identifying inmates with lifetime histories of highly violent behavior. Data are provided for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive power, and overall correct classification rate for neuropsychological and Rorschach measures. Because this sample represented only incarcerated male psychiatric inpatients, and not a general prison population, caution as to limits of generalization are discussed. Implications for use of this information in understanding violent behavior are also discussed.