Appl Neuropsychol Adult. 2025 Aug 16:1-13. doi: 10.1080/23279095.2025.2542498. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We examined the five-factor structure of the items on the short-form Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS). Internally, the subscale structure of the form was verified, and associations between the short- and long-form subscales were investigated. To establish predictive validity, the associations of the BDEFS subscale scores (short and long-forms) with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), as well as negative affect (depression and anxiety) were investigated.
METHOD: Australian university students (N = 608; aged 17-69 years, 23.5% men, 75.5% women and 1.0% others) completed self-reports of EF, ADHD, CDS, depression and anxiety.
RESULTS: Overall, the five-factor model of the short-form BDEFS items was the best balance of fit and parsimony, and the factors aligned with the five subscales. Measurement invariance was shown across gender and age-group. The short-form subscales were highly correlated with their counterparts in the long-form, and subscale scores based on each form produced the same pattern of correlations and unique associations with ADHD and CDS, controlling for depression and anxiety.
CONCLUSION: The short-form BDEFS produces five valid and reliable subscales that can be used in place of the long-form subscales when a more efficient method of data collection is desired.
PMID:40818089 | DOI:10.1080/23279095.2025.2542498
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