Invariance and Construct Validity of HiTOP Dimensions Across Race and Ethnicity in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

Abstract

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) has gained significant traction in clinical psychological science. However, HiTOP has not been extensively validated across diverse populations. This study tested measurement invariance—the degree to which latent constructs are measured with equivalence across groups—in HiTOP across racial and ethnic groups using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. These models were followed with rigorous tests of construct validation (i.e., convergent, discriminant, and concurrent) on the latent factors using a Multitrait-Multimethod (MTMM) framework. Comparing across non-Hispanic White (n = 7,166), Hispanic (n = 2,411), and non-Hispanic Black (n = 1,862) youths, the five-factor model comprising Externalizing, Neurodevelopmental, Internalizing, Somatoform, and Detachment factors demonstrated configural, metric, scalar, and strict measurement invariance. While each of the five factors demonstrated good evidence of concurrent and convergent validity, evidence for their discriminant validity was not as robust. Establishing measurement invariance and construct validity of the HiTOP model has critical scientific and clinical implications, particularly if dimensions are to be used in addressing mental health disparities in minoritized populations.