Objective: To complement standardized measurement of symptoms, we developed and tested an efficient strategy for identifying (before treatment) and repeatedly assessing (during treatment) the problems identified as most important by caregivers and youths in psychotherapy. Method: A total of 178 outpatient-referred youths, 7-13 years of age, and…

Describes investigation examining item validity and differential item functioning (DIF) on items measuring subjective well-being and coping behavior among respondents representing 338 male and 627 female members of three ethnic groups via use of log-linear models. Results offer strong evidence of item validity and some evidence of DIF. (Author/CRR)

Compares the MMPI and Mini-Mult data using a sample of narcotics users. Results indicate that when correlations between corresponding MMPI and Mini-Mult scales are used, there is good correspondence; with respect to clinical evaluation and high point correspondence, there is low accuracy. (Author/PC)

Examined the validity of averaged ratings of judges who rated a patient's mood from speech samples taken at different times during psychotherapy. Ratings were averaged and correlated with an objective measure of anxiety based upon the patient's speech disruptions. Correlations increased as the number of judges increased. (Author)

Contains seven articles discussing the application of meta-analysis to research on outcomes in psychotherapy. Provides a framework for understanding meta-analytic procedures and outlines major techniques. Reviews criticisms of integration of psychotherapy outcome research. Evaluates comparative therapy outcome research and discusses limitations of…

Examined the discriminant validity, criterion-related validity, and between-spouse agreement for a marital intake interview as a function of interview method and valence of interview items. Results suggested a high degree of discriminant validity, higher interspouse correlations during joint interviews, and higher indices of criterion related…

Couples (N=50) were interviewed conjointly, and spouses were rated separately on a 61-item checklist to demonstrate the actuarial validity of the marital satisfaction inventory. Findings supported the basic interpretive intent of individual scales and demonstrated convergent validity. (Author)

Considers issue of equivalence across first three levels in Leary system. Results confirm that factors I and II roughly correspond to Leary's Dominance and Love factors, respectively. (Author)

Investigated whether retrospective and concurrent assessments in test anxiety research yield comparable data. Results indicated that concurrent and retrospective assessment groups did not differ on number of positive thoughts, negative thoughts, bodily sensations, or anxiety levels. Concurrent assessment did not affect test performance. (Author)

Examined and compared the validity of Friedman's Developmental Level (DL) and Exner's Developmental Quality (DQ) as measures of cognitive development in children (N=134). Results supported the convergent and discriminant validity of both DL and DQ. The DL and DQ were most strongly related to different types of cognitive ability. (JAC)

Used the Vanderbilt Psychotherapy Process Scale to investigate the predictive relationship of three process dimensions (patient involvement, therapist-offered relationship, and exploratory processes). Results showed patient involvement was the most powerful predictor of outcome, however, the predictive association increased across the three…

A measure of positive affect using content analysis of verbal samples was devised and found to have satisfactory interjudge reliability. Normative data from five groups showed an association of positive affect levels with the situations subjects were undergoing. (Author)

Reviews several scales used to evaluate competency of psychotherapists. Discusses concerns about interrater reliability and predictive validity of scales. Considers competency a state-like variable, with therapists demonstrating higher competence when they skillfully treat patients across range of difficulty levels. Contends that development of…

Problem-child families and normal families were classified using the dyadic parent-child interaction coding system (DPICS). The DPICS was found to be a reliable, clinically practical research instrument that correctly classified 94 percent of the families and predicted 64 percent of the variance in parent report of home behavior problems. (Author)

Assessed the behavioral meaning of scores from a teacher-judgment measure of social competence as it reveals itself in the classroom behavior of kindergarten children (N=l00). Results supported the validity of teachers' judgments of interest and participation displayed by the boys and cooperation and compliance displayed by the girls. (LLL)