Validation of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Brief Report (HiTOP-BR) in Two German-Speaking Samples
= 601). Confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory factor analyses with target rotation supported the hypothesized six-factor structure across both samples, although observed cross-loadings suggested scope for item refinement. Scalar measurement invariance was established between the clinical and nonclinical samples. Scale scores showed acceptable to good reliability (ω = .77-.88). Convergent and discriminant validity were examined via correlations with established measures of symptoms, maladaptive personality traits, and impairments in personality functioning. As hypothesized, the HiTOP-BR spectra showed the expected associations with corresponding constructs. HiTOP-BR scales further predicted sickness-related work absence beyond established measures, with incremental validity analyses demonstrating additional explained variance in sick days beyond the Patient Health Questionnaire scales. Overall, the HiTOP-BR appears to provide reliable and valid scores for screening purposes, offering a time-efficient method for dimensional psychopathology assessment. Further cross-cultural replication and normative data are needed to optimize its interpretability and integration into routine assessment procedures.
Authors
- Leonard J. Simms (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8081-380X)
- Cord Benecke (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7977-5102)
- Matthias Volz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0946-1116)
- Jonas Schmitt
- Roman Kotov
- Ulrich Reininghaus
- Johannes Zimmermann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6975-2356)
Institutions
- University of Kassel (DE)
- Heidelberg University (DE)
- University Hospital Heidelberg (DE)
- Central Institute of Mental Health (DE)
- Stony Brook University (US)
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Personality Assessment
- Published
- 2026-05-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2026.2655185
- Primary Topic
- Treatment of Major Depression
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00