The Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Parent Version (DBRS-PV): Factor analytic structure and validity among young preschool children.

Objective: Despite recognition that disruptive behavior disorders often begin early in development, existing assessment tools are largely based on research with school-aged children. Further empirical work is needed to evaluate the utility of these tools in younger children.

Methods: The present study investigated the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale -Parent Version (DBRS-PV) in a sample of preschoolers. Participants included mothers and fathers of 261 three- to four-year-old children with and without behavior problems.

Results: Findings provide support for the use of the DBRS-PV as a measure of disruptive behavior disorder symptoms in this age group, with strong internal consistency and evidence of convergent/divergent and discriminative validity.

Conclusions: Results provide evidence in favor of a two-factor (a. inattention/hyperactivity -impulsivity and b. oppositional defiant behaviors) and moderate support for a three-factor (a. inattention, b. hyperactivity -impulsivity, and c. oppositional defiant behaviors) conceptualization of attention and disruptive behavior disorder symptoms among preschool children.