Faculty Publications

Halo Effects in Ratings of ADHD and ODD: Identification of Susceptible Symptoms

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Assessment, Disruptive behaviors, Halo effects, Rating scales

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment

Volume

32

Issue

1

First Page

128

Last Page

137

Abstract

Halo effects in the assessment of ADHD and ODD were examined. Participants were 159 undergraduate college students who rated children described as showing disruptive behaviors. Bidirectional halo effects were found. Specifically, the presence of oppositionality artificially inflated ratings of inattention and hyperactivity, and the combined presence of inattention and hyperactivity artificially inflated ratings of oppositionality. Several specific items were found to be particularly susceptible to halo effects. Due to these halo effects caution should be exercised when diagnosing multiple behavior disorders, especially with items found to be particularly susceptible. Clinical interviews conducted by mental health professionals may help distinguish between the true presence of multiple disorders and halo effects based on ratings. Future research should determine whether structured interviews conducted by mental health professionals are less susceptible to halo effects than rating scales. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

3-1-2010

DOI of published version

10.1007/s10862-009-9135-3

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS