A Dimensional Model of Psychopathology Among Homeless Adolescents: Suicidality, Internalizing, and Externalizing Disorders

Authors

Kevin A. Yoder, University of North TexasFollow
Susan L. Longley, Veterans Administration Medical Center
Les B. Whitbeck, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Dan R. Hoyt, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

7-25-2007

Citation

Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2007

Comments

J Abnorm Child Psychol (2008) 36:95–104 DOI 10.1007/s10802-007-9163-y

Abstract

The present study examined associations among dimensions of suicidality and psychopathology in a sample of 428 homeless adolescents (56.3% female). Confirmatory factor analysis results provided support for a three-factor model in which suicidality (measured with lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts), internalizing disorders (assessed with lifetime diagnoses of major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder), and externalizing disorders (indicated by lifetime diagnoses of conduct disorder, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse) were positively intercorrelated. The findings illustrate the utility of a dimensional approach that integrates suicidality and psychopathology into one model.