Research Article
Evaluation of the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER) interview with a psychiatric inpatient population
Joanna E. Strong, Albert D. Farrell,
Corresponding Author
Albert D. Farrell
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 842018, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284–2018; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorJoanna E. Strong, Albert D. Farrell,
Corresponding Author
Albert D. Farrell
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 842018, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284–2018; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER; Farrell & McCullough-Vaillant, 1996) includes a computer-based interview designed to assess functioning across a broad range of areas. The psychometric properties of scales derived from this interview were examined in a sample of 191 patients from the admissions wards of a state psychiatric hospital. Few participants had difficulty completing the computerized interview, and most rated their reactions to it positively. Item analyses and confirmatory factor analysis largely replicated the structure reported in a previous study of outpatients. Support was found for scales representing Physical Complaints, Worry, Hopelessness, Assertiveness, Hostility/Anger, Thought Problems, Psychotic Symptoms, Substance Use, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior. Comparison of scales from the CASPER and the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale-32 (BASIS-32; Eisen & Culhane, 1999) supported the convergent and discriminant validity of several scales. Support also was found for the CASPER Global Functioning scale. Overall, results supported the use of the CASPER as a valuable tool for assessing inpatient functioning. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
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