| Current research using the Youth Self Report instrument tends to classify
adolescents into one of two categories: internalizing thoughts and behaviors
versus externalizing thoughts and behaviors. Although this has been an
informative approach, focusing on these two areas is limiting. Children who
do not by current standards fit within one of the two broad categories of
internalizing/externalizing may not be acknowledged as needing help when
they indeed do. For example, when the YSR was revised in 2001, OCD
(Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and Schizophrenia were eliminated when they
could have been either assessed independently or subsumed under other
categories. Our presentation will use data from 500 YSRs gathered as part
of the Presley Center's PREP project. A quantitative factor analysis
combined with DSM definitions of OCD and Schizophrenia will suggest that
these are significant issues that need to be addressed. In addition, data
will be presented to show the importance of a qualitative approach in
acknowledging and responding to comments written by the adolescents on the
YSR.
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Updated 05/20/2006