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Thesis
VALIDATION OF THE VISUAL ANALOG MOOD SCALES IN A PEDIATRIC AUTISM POPULATION
University of West Florida
Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida
2017
Abstract
A limitation exists between the adolescent autism community and an instrument to aid in emotional expression. The current study aimed to validate the Visual Analog Mood Scales in this population with a limited language ability. The VAMS consists of eight bipolar scales with a neutral top face and an expressive schematic bottom face. The VAMS have been validated in previous studies with neurologically impaired patients, yet no researchers have investigated the fluctuating mood states of children on the autism spectrum who often suffer from comorbid mood disorders. The present study was conducted to offer a potential instrument with strong psychometric properties. Construct validity (i.e., convergent and discriminant) and reliability were explored in a sample of 13 to 18-year-old autistic adolescents (N=15). Our findings, to our surprise, give support to our comparative measure, the Profile of Mood States 2- Youth edition as a more valid and reliable measurement battery. Results also indicate that children on the spectrum with a reduced capacity for receptive language may experience more negative affect in comparison to children with higher language achievement. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Details
- Title
- VALIDATION OF THE VISUAL ANALOG MOOD SCALES IN A PEDIATRIC AUTISM POPULATION
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090862206600
- Academic Unit
- Psychology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Arts (MA)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida