Validation of the POSIT: Comparing Drug Using and Abstaining Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to validate the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers by comparing drug using and abstaining youth on several social and behavioral characteristics. Drug using youth were recruited from residential and outpatient drug treatment centers. Abstaining youth were recruited from the social networks of the drug using youths and from community organizations that were strongly opposed to drug use. All youths were assessed on several psycho-social variables using a structured interview schedule, a set of questionnaires, and a situational role play test of social skills. First, concurrent validity of the POSIT was tested by comparing POSIT domain scores between these two groups of youth. Based on our analysis, all ten POSIT domain scores for drug using youth were greater than those for the abstaining youth, and nine of the ten were significantly greater. Second, construct validity was evaluated by comparing POSIT domain scores with scores from other instruments. Pearson's bivariate correlations were used to test the convergent validity of the POSIT domains with the same or similar constructs. Strong support for the convergent validity of three domains (Substance Use, Mental Health, Aggressive Behavior/Delinquency), some support for four domains (Physical Health, Family Relations, Educational Status, and Social Skills), and minimal support for three domains (Peer Relations, Vocational Status and Leisure & Recreation) was found. The analysis also indicated discriminant validity of the POSIT domains by generating non-significant correlations with nonrelevant and dissimilar variables. Overall, the POSIT exhibits excellent clinical utility as well as concurrent and construct validities, and is an effective screening instrument with at-risk youth. KEYWORDS: Substance AbuseDrug UsePOSITAdolescents