Abstract
This study examined the latent structure and validity of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and sluggish cognitive tempo
(SCT) symptomatology. We evaluated mother and teacher ratings of ADHD and SCT symptoms in 140 Puerto Rican children (55.7%
males), ages 6 to 11 years, via factor and regression analyses. A three-factor model (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity,
and SCT) provided the best fit for both sets of ratings. Inattention was the strongest correlate of lower scores on neuropsychological,
achievement, and psychosocial measures. Externalizing problems were most strongly associated with hyperactivity-impulsivity,
and internalizing problems were most strongly associated with parent-rated SCT and teacher-rated Inattention. SCT was not
associated with executive function but was negatively associated with math. Inattention accounted for a disproportionate amount
of ADHD-related impairment, which may explain the restricted discriminant validity of DSM-IV types. The distinct factors of
hyperactivity-impulsivity and SCT had unique associations with impairing comorbidities and are roughly equivalent in predicting
external correlates of ADHD-related impairment.
(SCT) symptomatology. We evaluated mother and teacher ratings of ADHD and SCT symptoms in 140 Puerto Rican children (55.7%
males), ages 6 to 11 years, via factor and regression analyses. A three-factor model (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity,
and SCT) provided the best fit for both sets of ratings. Inattention was the strongest correlate of lower scores on neuropsychological,
achievement, and psychosocial measures. Externalizing problems were most strongly associated with hyperactivity-impulsivity,
and internalizing problems were most strongly associated with parent-rated SCT and teacher-rated Inattention. SCT was not
associated with executive function but was negatively associated with math. Inattention accounted for a disproportionate amount
of ADHD-related impairment, which may explain the restricted discriminant validity of DSM-IV types. The distinct factors of
hyperactivity-impulsivity and SCT had unique associations with impairing comorbidities and are roughly equivalent in predicting
external correlates of ADHD-related impairment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-011-9602-7
- Authors
- José J. Bauermeister, Behavioral Science Research Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Russell A. Barkley, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- José A. Bauermeister, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- José V. Martínez, Department of Psychology, Carlos Albizu University, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Keith McBurnett, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627