Psychometric properties of the Barkley Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV in the Korean population

• Hyunkyung Yoo

  Chungnam National University

• Sungkun Cho

  Chungnam National University

• Kiho Kim

  Sejong Cyber University

Discriminating attention-related symptoms is a key factor for the appropriate diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT). The Barkley Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV) is the most widely used tool to measure such symptoms. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the BAARS-IV with a sample of 771 participants in the Korean population. We identified a five-factor model for measuring ADHD and SCT, and determined the scale was appropriate for use in the Korean population. Sustained attention (SA) was a unique factor of the Korean version of the BAARS-IV. Internal consistency was good and the positive association between the BAARS-IV and an alternative measure of depression/anxiety supported the scale’s concurrent validity. To conclude, a cautious approach is needed when applying the BAARS-IV in different cultural contexts.

1. Hyunkyung Yoo, Chungnam National University
   Department of Psychology
2. Sungkun Cho, Chungnam National University
   Department of Psychology
3. Kiho Kim, Sejong Cyber University
   Department of Psychology of Counseling
   

• Download PDF
  (USD 29)