Validity of DSM-IV Axis V Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale

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.

Clinical Validity of a Dimensional Assessment of Self- and Interpersonal Functioning in Adolescent Inpatients

“…This provides convergent validity as similar results were found in past SCORS-G research (Stein, Hilsenroth, Pinsker-Aspen, & Primavera, 2009). We would expect that those who have healthier self and interpersonal functioning capacities would lead to better coping capacities and overall functioning.…”

“…The current study is distinctive in that it is the first to use ratings from inpatient unit therapists and data from the patient's chart to examine the construct validity of the SCORS-G. Previous studies have found that SCORS-G ratings are positively correlated with measures of adaptive functioning (Defife et al, 2013; Stein, Hilsenroth, Pinsker-Aspen, & Primavera, 2009), school performance, and peer relationships (Defife et al, 2013; Defife & Westen, unpublished data). Self and interpersonal functional impairments have been implicated in adolescents engaging in NSSI (Nock, 2010) and eating disordered behavior (Cross, Westen, & Bradley, 2011).…”

Adherence of 13–17 Year Old Adolescents to Medicinal and Non-pharmacological Treatment in Psychiatric Inpatient Care: Special Focus on Relative Clinical and Family Factors

“…The GARF is an instrument that allows a clinician to assess relational functioning of the family, and others have suggested that this particular feature be examined more frequently during treatment of mental health [38].…”

Parent–Child Relational Problem: Field Trial Results, Changes in DSM‐5, and Proposed Changes for ICD‐11

“…Some of these propose an overall assessment of quality of relationship, such as the Parent Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale (Aoki, Zeanah, Heller, & Bakshi, ) for younger children and their caregivers and the Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale for families with children of all ages (Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Committee on the Family, ). These have shown good psychometric properties and clinical utility (Dausch, Miklowitz, & Richards, ; Denton, Nakonezny, & Burwell, ; Stein, Hilsenroth, Pinsker‐Aspen, & Primavera, ), but have not been utilized in epidemiological or clinical research. There are different techniques for standardized observations, as well as some existing and well‐validated parent report measures to identify PCRP (see, e.g., Biringen & Easterbrooks, ; Slep & Tamminen, ).…”