A general psychopathology factor in early adolescence

Authors:
PATALAY Praveetha, et al
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Psychiatry, 207(1), 2015, pp.15-22.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

Background: Recently, a general psychopathology dimension reflecting common aspects among disorders has been identified in adults. This has not yet been considered in children and adolescents, where the focus has been on externalising and internalising dimensions. Aims: This study aimed to examine whether a general psychopathology could be identified in early in young people. It also sought to evaluate the validity and relevance of a hierarchical model that includes general psychopathology by exploring associations with sociodemographic predictors, educational correlates and social competencies. Method: Alternative factor models were estimated using self-reports of symptoms in a large community-based sample aged 11–13.5 years (N = 23 477) across 210 secondary schools in England, and resulting dimensions were assessed in terms of associations with external correlates and future functioning. Results: Both a traditional two-factor model and a bi-factor model with a general psychopathology bi-factor fitted the data well. The general psychopathology bi-factor best predicted future psychopathology and academic attainment. Associations with correlates and factor loadings are discussed. Conclusions: A general psychopathology factor, which is equal across genders, can be identified in young people. Its associations with correlates and future functioning indicate that investigating this factor can increase our understanding of the aetiology, risk and correlates of psychopathology. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
young people, adolescence, mental health problems;
Content type:
research
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1472-1465
ISSN print:
0007-1250

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