title: General and specific attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder factors of children 4 to 6 years of age: An exploratory structural equation modeling approach to assessing symptom multidimensionality.
abstract: We tested first-order factor and bifactor models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to adequately summarize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, (DSM-IV-TR) symptoms observed in a Spanish sample of preschoolers and kindergarteners. Six ESEM and CFA models were estimated based on teacher evaluations of the behavior of 638 children 4 to 6 years of age. An ESEM bifactor model with a central dimension plus 3 specific factors (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) showed the best fit and interpretability. Strict invariance between the sexes was observed. The bifactor model provided a solution to previously encountered inconsistencies in the factorial models of ADHD in young children. However, the low reliability of the specific factors casts doubt on the utility of the subscales for ADHD measurement. More research is necessary to clarify the nature of G and S factors of ADHD.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Talca.
authors.forename: Víctor B
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1260-7948
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Arias
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Talca.
authors.forename: Fernando P
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6283-4583
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Ponce
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Talca.
authors.forename: Agustín
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martínez-Molina
authors.affiliation: School of Education and Social Work, University of Valladolid.
authors.forename: Benito
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6490-2076
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arias
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Talca.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Núñez
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000523:psychology*; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods