An exploration of the measurement and models of frontal functions in clinical and non-clinical populations
Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Objective: The thesis portfolio aimed to assess the psychometric properties and conceptual structure of rating scale measures of frontal functions. \n \nMethods: A systematic review of the literature collected data on the validity and reliability of executive function rating scales with various clinical and non-clinical groups. Alongside this, a validation study explored the psychometric properties of the revised dysexecutive questionnaire (DEX-R) in a non-clinical population. In total, 140 participants took part, some completing the DEX-R at two different timepoints and another validated measure, the FrSBe. Factor analysis and Rasch analysis were used to explore underlying subconstructs. Correlations of mood and demographic variables were also conducted. \n \nResults: There were 24 studies which met criteria for the systematic review. Papers used a variety of EF rating scales across different clinical and non-clinical groups. The DEX was the most widely used measure. Quality varied, many papers would have benefited from the use of a reference standard. In the empirical paper, the DEX-R was found to be a valid and reliable measure of dysexecutive problems in a non-clinical sample. It was determined to be multidimensional and a factor analysis resulted in three factors. Responses correlated with age and brief measures of anxiety and depression. \n \nConclusions: Rating scale measures supplement neuropsychological testing well in their ecological validity and in capturing the wide-ranging difficulties individuals may face. Understanding individual differences has clinical benefits for interpreting assessments, particularly in variation of responses influenced somewhat by age and mood. Establishing robust sub-scales that map onto models may have useful clinical applications to understand specific areas of strength and limitations relevant for rehabilitation or adapting psychological therapies.
Author: Hannah Wakely
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3150301664