A Hierarchical Three-Factor Model of Inattention-Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Derived From the Attention Problems Syndrome of the Teacher's Report Form

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test three plausible conceptualizations of Inattention-Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (Ina-H-I) derived from the Attention Problems syndrome of the Teacher's Report Form (TRF): (a) a one-factor model representing a general Ina-H-I factor; (b) a correlated two-factor model representing the Inattention (Ina) and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (H-I) factors; and (c) a hierarchical three-factor model representing a general Ina-H-I factor and two specific factors of Ina and H-I. Results supported the hierarchical 3-factor model across age and gender groups in both general population and clinical samples. Nationally normed empirically based and DSM-oriented scales enable school psychologists to evaluate students in terms of Ina, H-I, and the dimension that they have in common.