Degree Date

6-2019

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology - Florida School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Elizabeth Lane, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Eric Rosen, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Eric Storch, Ph.D.

Abstract

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disabilities have been increasing over time, therefore there is an amplified need for psychometrically sound measures of psychosocial well-being to assist in proper diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of six measures of psychosocial well-being in a group of adolescents diagnosed with developmental disorders. Methods: Thirty-five adolescent students’ ages 14 to 22 with developmental disabilities, 35 parents, and 3 teachers anwered surveys measuring psychosocial well-being. Test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α. Results: The total scores of the Asher Loneliness Scale (ICC = .73, Cronbach’s α = .75), Fear Survey Scheduled for Children-Revised (ICC = .85, Cronbach’s α = .97), Multidimensional Students Life Satisfaction Scale (ICC = .78, Cronbach’s α = .82), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, parent version (ICC = .88, Cronbach’s α = .78), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, teacher version (ICC = .70, Cronbach’s α = .86), and the Student Teacher relationship Scale (ICC = .88, Cronbach’s α = .86) produced adequate test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Results for the Academic Performance Scale were inconsistent (ICC = 1.00, Cronbach’s α = .58). Conclusion: The results of this study can guide clinicians in selecting reliable psychosocial measures for their clients diagnosed with developmental disabilities. However, caution must be taken when interpreting these results as the specific developmental disability was unknown. Although there are many commonalities, there are also many differences between each disorder that were not examined in this study.

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