Advancing the Measurement of Adolescent Antisocial Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Psychometric Validation of the Antisocial Behaviours Questionnaire (ABQ)

Panchal, Punita (2026) Advancing the Measurement of Adolescent Antisocial Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Psychometric Validation of the Antisocial Behaviours Questionnaire (ABQ). Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Precise measurement of adolescent antisocial behaviour (AB) is essential for effective assessment and intervention. However, instruments vary in taxonomic scope and psychometric robustness.

Aims: This thesis aimed to (1) systematically evaluate adolescent AB instruments, and (2) assess the psychometric properties of the Antisocial Behaviours Questionnaire (ABQ), a brief measure.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines. A 12-tier taxonomic audit mapped item content to the four DSM-5 Conduct Disorder (CD) domains. Reliability generalisation meta-analysis was conducted for instrument families represented in ≥ 3 independent studies. The ABQ was evaluated in two UK community cohorts (ROOTS, N = 1,153; NSPN, N = 2,378; ages 14–24). Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using weighted least squares estimation, reliability estimation, measurement invariance testing, and evaluation of construct and predictive validity.

Results: From 3,353 records, 275 studies representing 125 unique instrument variants were identified. Only 13 variants (10%) demonstrated both moderate-to-high psychometric certainty and full alignment with all four CD domains. Five instrument families met criteria for recommendation based on structural validity and internal consistency. The ABQ demonstrated a unidimensional structure with excellent fit and strong reliability (ω = .93). Measurement invariance was supported across gender and age. Construct validity was demonstrated through convergence with psychopathic traits and prospective prediction of substance misuse. A threshold of ≥ 2 behaviours optimised diagnostic utility for Conduct Disorder.

Conclusions: DSM-aligned and psychometrically supported measures remain limited. This portfolio provides empirical support for the ABQ as a concise, DSM-aligned tool for high-precision screening of antisocial behaviour.

Keywords: antisocial behaviour; adolescents; psychometrics; systematic review; confirmatory factor analysis; DSM-5; measurement invariance.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	09 Nov 2026 13:51
Last Modified:	09 Nov 2026 13:51
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/105022
DOI:

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