S E Soe-Agnie1, M C S Paap2, J E L VanDerNagel3, H J M Nijman4, C A J de Jong3. 1. Behavioural Science Institute BSI, Faculty of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, The Netherlands. Electronic address: sabrina.soeagnie@gmail.com. 2. Centre for Educational Measurement at the University of Oslo (CEMO), Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Special Needs, Education, and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. 3. Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Behavioral Science Institute, Faculty of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 4. Aventurijn Department at Altrecht GGZ, Den Dolder, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although several authors have suggested that a single externalizing spectrum encompassing both antisocial behavioral syndromes and substance use disorder is to be preferred, this assumption has not been evaluated systematically throughout studies. PURPOSE: The objective was to establish the generalizability of transdiagnostic models of externalizing disorders across different types of disorders and populations, in regard to the strength of the evidence. METHOD: We conducted a systematic literature review using combinations of two sets of keywords: 1) "antisocial", "externalizing", "conduct disorder", "disruptive behavior disorder", "substance abuse", "substance-related disorder", "cannabis", "cocaine", "hallucinogen", "alcoholism", "opioid"; 2) "latent structure", "factor analysis", "multivariate analysis". RESULTS: Models supporting a superordinate factor appeared dominant in a limited set of different populations, on which the majority of the research sample was focused. CONCLUSIONS: Although the externalizing spectrum model is a promising angle for future research and treatment, extending research on this model in a higher diversity of populations is recommended to enhance the understanding and applicability of the externalizing spectrum model.
BACKGROUND: Although several authors have suggested that a single externalizing spectrum encompassing both antisocial behavioral syndromes and substance use disorder is to be preferred, this assumption has not been evaluated systematically throughout studies. PURPOSE: The objective was to establish the generalizability of transdiagnostic models of externalizing disorders across different types of disorders and populations, in regard to the strength of the evidence. METHOD: We conducted a systematic literature review using combinations of two sets of keywords: 1) "antisocial", "externalizing", "conduct disorder", "disruptive behavior disorder", "substance abuse", "substance-related disorder", "cannabis", "cocaine", "hallucinogen", "alcoholism", "opioid"; 2) "latent structure", "factor analysis", "multivariate analysis". RESULTS: Models supporting a superordinate factor appeared dominant in a limited set of different populations, on which the majority of the research sample was focused. CONCLUSIONS: Although the externalizing spectrum model is a promising angle for future research and treatment, extending research on this model in a higher diversity of populations is recommended to enhance the understanding and applicability of the externalizing spectrum model.