P-OCA

Abstract: Theoretical background: Instruments to measure child-report in externalizing disorders are scarce in young children. Objective: The present study validated the Picture Test to Assess ODD, CD, and ADHD (P-OCA) for diagnostic procedures in young children aged 4 to 8. Method: We assessed the data of 263 children (community sample: n = 212, clinical sample: n = 51) using the P-OCA in kindergarten, elementary schools, and outpatient clinics. The parents filled out questionnaires to evaluate their children; in a subsample ( n = 24), we collected the data twice to assess test-retest reliability. Results: The P-OCA demonstrated acceptable to good internal consistency (e. g., Cronbach’s α = 0.64 to 0.92), acceptable to good retest-reliability, good convergent and differential validity as well as a high acceptance (90.5 % of the children enjoyed participating in the P-OCA assessment). However, we also discovered deficits in the P-OCA’s factor structure. Discussion and conclusion: Because children’s perspectives are essential in the diagnostic process and child therapy, we think P-OCA could be used as an age-adequate instrument to measure self-report in externalizing disorders after further validation. Especially its further validation with patients diagnosed with conduct disorder is desirable.