Self-Rated Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents

This study examined the psychometric properties of self-rated symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). We analyzed symptom ratings from a clinical outpatient sample of 658 adolescents aged 11;0-17;11 years diagnosed with ODD/CD and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In two steps, we examined the factor structure of ODD models and an additional CD symptom dimension using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Our preferred three-factor CFA and ESEM models (CFI = 0.937-0.975, TLI = 0.926-0.962, RMSEA = 0.049-0.068, SRMR = 0.045-0.070) demonstrated scalar measurement invariance across age groups (≥ 14;0 years) and metric measurement invariance across informants (parents, teachers). With exceptions, the self-rated symptom scales showed acceptable internal consistencies (α = 0.68-0.84). Convergent (r =.27-.65) and divergent validity (r =.13-.41) were supported using Achenbach's Youth Self Report Form. Our results provide implications for using self-rated ODD/CD symptoms in clinical practice and research.