The Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale: Updated Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and National Caregiver Norms

Abstract

Abstract Objective To provide the first caregiver-report national norms for the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (DBDRS) and an updated evaluation of its factor structure and measurement invariance across child sex, informant sex, and child age. Methods Caregivers of children aged 5–12 years (N = 962) based in the United States completed the four DBDRS subscales. Using both severity scoring and dichotomous scoring procedures, confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor model of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, oppositional defiant symptoms, and conduct disorder symptoms. Results Measurement invariance was supported, indicating that the DBDRS functions similarly across demographic characteristics. Boys were reported to have more severe symptoms than girls (Cohen’s d = 0.33 [inattention], 0.30 [hyperactivity/impulsivity], 0.18 [oppositional defiant disorder], 0.14 [conduct disorder]), female caregivers rated ADHD symptoms as more severe than male caregivers (ds = 0.15 and 0.19 for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, respectively), and older children were reported to experience more inattention than younger children (d = 0.18). Overall, group differences were modest in magnitude. Conclusion This psychometric study supports the continued use of the DBDRS in school-aged youth and will enhance the measure’s clinical and research utility by providing the first caregiver-report norms.