title: Validity of DSM-IV axis V global assessment of relational functioning scale: a multimethod assessment.
abstract: We investigate the convergent validity of the DSM-IV Axis V Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale (GARF; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). This study included 79 patients at a university-based outpatient treatment clinic. We examined clinician-rated GARF and the relationship to self-reported (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems; IIP-C; Horowitz et al. 2000) and free response themes [Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale: SCORS; Hilsenroth, Stein & Pinsker, 2004; Westen, 1995] of interpersonal functioning. Clinician ratings of the GARF scale and SCORS variables were highly reliable and internally consistent. Convergent Validity among the GARF, SCORS, and IIP scores was calculated using a Principal Components Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results of the Principal Components Analysis revealed that the GARF, SCORS, and IIP scores converged on a single factor, although findings of the CFA did not fully confirm the 1 factor model originally proposed. Intercorrelations among the GARF, SCORS, and IIP variables were analyzed and a pattern of significant relationships was found between the GARF and SCORS variables. This study helps support the convergent validity GARF as a relational functioning measure and is one of the first investigations to examine this scale multidimensionally.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Psychology Assessment Center, 1 Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2919, USA. mstein@partners.org
authors.forename: Michelle B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hilsenroth
authors.forename: Janet H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Pinsker-Aspen
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Primavera
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D009769:Object Attachment; D010045:Outpatients; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult