A validation study of the problem-oriented screening instrument for teenagers (POSIT)

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Abstract
The Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) is a 139-item questionnaire designed to identify substance abuse and related problems. The reliability and validity of the POSIT were studied in adolescents referred to an assessment service for evaluation of substance use problems. Convergent and divergent validity were examined using the Personal Experience Inventory, the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents, and the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview. Scales measuring problems assessed by both the POSIT and the criterion measures were moderately to highly correlated. Those measuring dissimilar domains were slightly correlated or were not significantly related. The findings highlight the strengths and limitations of the POSIT, and suggest the need for further research on screening tests designed specifically for substance-involved youth.