Guidelines for the validation of the Child Dissociative Checklist in Sweden

Abstract: This study’s aim was to explore face, content, concurrent validity and psychometric properties of the Swedish Child Dissociative Checklist (CDC) as well as and to provide guidelines towards validation. The CDC is used in Sweden when dissociation is highly probable, and validation could motivate wider use. Qualitative data was gathered from psychologists-in-training (N = 4) clinical psychologists (N = 5) and parents (N = 23) through a focus group, interviews and questionnaires, respectively. Quantitative data using the CDC and items from the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was obtained from parents. Results suggest good face, content and convergent validity. Factor analysis provides suggestions for future investigations into quantitative validation. Guidelines when validating is revising certain items, investigating the possibility of developing two versions of the CDC, utilizing an adequate sample size as well as assessment with a clinical group.