What Is the General Factor of Psychopathology? Consistency of the p Factor Across Samples. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levin-Aspenson, Holly F.; Watson, David; Clark, Lee Anna; Zimmerman, Mark
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 28:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1035
• Page End: 1049
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: bifactor analysis -- p factor -- dimensional models -- psychopathology -- structure -- assessment -- measurement; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191120954921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

Bifactor analyses have become a popular way to model a general psychopathology factor (or p factor ) that accounts for correlations among higher order internalizing, externalizing, and thought-disorder dimensions. However, to advance dimensional nosology and construct validation of the p factor, this body of research needs to be synthesized. This study focuses on the p factor as a substantive construct by testing its consistency across samples and models. Bifactor analyses were run for three large epidemiological and clinical data sets: National Comorbidity Survey, Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, and Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services. Despite generally good model fit and strong factor congruence, interpretation of the p factor varied across samples and methods. This limited consistency suggests a lack of clear, generalizable operationalization of the p factor for applications such as measure development. Results are interpreted in terms of implications for the p factor as a substantive construct.