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.

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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
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article

Validation of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Brief Report (HiTOP-BR) in Two German-Speaking Samples

Leonard J. Simms, Cord Benecke, Matthias Volz, Jonas Schmitt et al.
Journal of Personality Assessment
Treatment of Major Depression
article

Validation of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Brief Report (HiTOP-BR) in Two German-Speaking Samples

Leonard J. Simms, Cord Benecke, Matthias Volz, Jonas Schmitt, Roman Kotov, Ulrich Reininghaus, Johannes Zimmermann
article en

Abstract

= 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.

Journal of Personality Assessment
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)
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Treatment of Major Depression
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