Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Psychosocial functioning in the context of diagnosis: assessment and theoretical issues.

Full Abstract

Psychosocial functioning is an important focus of attention in the revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Researchers and clinicians are converging upon the opinion that psychometrically strong, comprehensive assessment of individuals' functioning is needed to characterize disorder fully. Also shared is the realization that existing theory and research in this domain have critical shortcomings. The authors urge that the field reexamine the empirical evidence and address theoretical issues to guide future development of the construct and its measurement. The authors first discuss several theoretical issues relevant to the conceptualization and assessment of functioning: (a) definitions of functioning, (b) the role of functioning in defining disorder, and (c) understanding functioning within environmental contexts. The authors then present data regarding empirical domains of psychosocial functioning and their interrelations. Self-reported data on multiple domains of psychosocial functioning were collected from 429 participants. Factor-analytic results (promax rotation) suggest a 4-factor structure of psychosocial functioning: Well-Being, Basic Functioning, Self-Mastery, and Interpersonal and Social Relationships. Finally, the authors propose an integration of theory and empirical findings, which they believe will better incorporate psychosocial functioning into future diagnostic systems. Copyright 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Author information

Author/s: Ro, Eunyoe (E); Clark, Lee Anna (LA);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. la-clark(-atsign-)uiowa.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psychological assessment (Psychol Assess), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 21 (issue 3) : pp 313-24

Dates: Created 2009/09/01; Completed 2009/11/03;

PMID: 19719344, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/3/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Activities of Daily Living Adolescent Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Factor Analysis, Statistical Female Humans Interpersonal Relations Male Mental Disorders - diagnosis; psychology

Middle Aged Personal Satisfaction Personality Disorders - diagnosis; psychology Personality Inventory Psychological Theory Psychometrics Quality of Life Self Assessment (Psychology) Self Disclosure Social Adjustment Social Behavior Young Adult

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