4 TPC Digest 4 TPC Digest Dalena Dillman Taylor, Saundra M. Tabet, Megan A. Whitbeck, Ryan G. Carlson, Sejal Barden, Nicole Silverio The Factor Structure of the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 With Economically Vulnerable Adults I n this study, researchers examined the effectiveness of a psychological assessment tool called the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ-45.2) in measuring distress among 615 economically vulnerable individuals. We found that the current structure of the OQ-45.2 did not fit well with this specific population. The unique stressors faced by economically vulnerable individuals were not adequately captured by the assessment, raising doubts about its clinical usefulness in assessing distress. To explore alternative models, we conducted several analyses with the data of the OQ-45.2 to re-examine its structure for determining distress in individuals. The results suggested a 16-item, three-factor model that provided marginal support for the validity and reliability of the items in measuring distress among this population. However, further research is needed to confirm and validate this structure with a similar population of economically vulnerable individuals. We also found that the results of the 16-item model differed from the original OQ-45.2, specifically in relation to the social role factor. This discrepancy may be due to economic stressors experienced by this population, which may make certain items on the assessment irrelevant to their situation. Additionally, we identified a need to include a substance use factor in the assessment, as substance use was found to be associated with psychological distress among this population. The implications of this study are that a brief version of the OQ-45.2 may be useful for assessing distress among economically vulnerable individuals. The 16-item assessment captures distress related to substance use, interpersonal relationships, and general symptoms. This brief instrument can provide counselors with a quick snapshot of a client’s concerns, aiding in monitoring distress levels throughout treatment. However, caution should be exercised in using this assessment without further research to support its clinical use with this population. The study also suggests retaining two critical items from the original assessment to assess the threat of self-harm or harm to others, as psychological distress among economically vulnerable individuals has been linked to higher rates of suicide and homicide. These items can serve as a starting point for discussing safety and addressing immediate concerns. The study’s limitations are acknowledged, such as the limited generalizability of the findings due to the predominantly female sample from the Southeastern United States. Future researchers should confirm and strengthen the validity of the 16-item assessment with similar populations. Additionally, new items related to self-harm or harm to others should be developed and tested. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the structure and adaptation of assessment tools like the OQ-45.2 for different populations. It provides support for a revised 16-item, three-factor structure for economically vulnerable individuals and suggests implications for its use in clinical practice. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish guidelines for clinical application. Dalena Dillman Taylor, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, is an associate professor at the University of North Texas. Saundra M. Tabet, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, LMHC, is an assistant professor and CMHC Program Director at the University of San Diego. Megan A. Whitbeck, PhD, NCC, is an assistant professor at The University of Scranton. Ryan G. Carlson, PhD, is a professor at the University of South Carolina. Sejal Barden, PhD, is a professor at the University of Central Florida. Nicole Silverio is an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina. Correspondence may be addressed to Dalena Dillman Taylor, 1300 W. Highland St., Denton, TX 76201, Dalena. dillmantaylor@unt.edu.
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