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Dissertation
Reliability of the global assessment of functioning scale
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jul 2004
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-364
Abstract
Since the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) was introduced in the revised third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) in 1987 (American Psychiatric Association), its use in clinical settings has grown considerably. However, there is little research on the reliability and validity of the scale. Thirty-six psychologists with experience administering the GAF scored one high-information and one low-information vignette according to two methods of determining the GAF score. Method A consisted of the traditional paper-and-pencil version in which the rater determines the client's GAF score based on the individual's psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Method B consisted of a computer-assisted GAF (First & Multi-Health Systems Staff, 1997), in which assessment questions related to psychological, social, and occupational functioning are presented to the clinician in a yes/no format. Results indicated that both methods of GAF administration could be scored reliably by raters. Consistent with predictions, the results revealed a significant interaction between method and information level. Specifically, in the high information condition, the computer-assisted method resulted in scores closer to "gold standards" determined by expert diagnosticians relative to the paper-and-pencil method. These findings are promising with respect to the clinical utility of the computer-assisted GAF procedure. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Reliability of the global assessment of functioning scale
- Creators
- Sarah Beth Woldoff - DU
- Contributors
- James D. Herbert (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 364; 991014632074104721