Validity of Measures of Conduct Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety

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Abstract
The convergent and discriminant validity of multiple measures of conduct disorder, depression, and anxiety were examined. Data used in this analysis were collected on 95 students between 11 and 18 years of age who were receiving services in one of three alternative schools for behavior-disordered students. Two measures of each variable were completed by each participant and by each participant's teacher. Measures included the Children's Depression Inventory, Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and the Conduct Problem and Anxiety/Withdrawal factors of the Behavior Problem Checklist and the Walker Problem Behavior Identification Checklist. In addition, a global rating of depression was obtained from the teachers by interview. The results indicated that convergent and discriminant validity were adequate for the measures of depression and conduct disorder with this population. Anxiety measures did not meet criteria for convergent validity. The implications of a significant rater effect were discussed.