The assessment of transdiagnostic dimensions of emotional disorders: Validation of the Multidimensional Emotional Disorders Inventory (MEDI) in adolescents with subthreshold anxiety and depression

Abstract

BackgroundThe transdiagnostic approach to psychopathology has emerged as an alternative to traditional taxonomic approaches. The Multidimensional Emotional Disorders Inventory (MEDI) is a specifically designed self-report to measure the transdiagnostic dimensions proposed by Brown and Barlow (2009). This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of the MEDI scores in adolescents with subthreshold anxiety and depression. MethodThe sample consisted of a total of 476 students. The mean age was 13.77 years (SD = 1.43) (range 10 to 18 years), 73.9 % were females. Several questionnaires assessing positive affect, negative affect, mental health difficulties, and quality of life were used. ResultsThe original 9-factor structure of the MEDI was confirmed with good fit indices. Satisfactory levels of internal consistency were observed in most of the MEDI scores using McDonald's Omega, ranging from 0.58 to 0.87. The MEDI dimensions were associated with psychopathology, positive affect, negative affect, and quality of life. LimitationsReliance on self-reported data, a cross-sectional design limiting temporal assessment, and a 73.9 % female gender imbalance. ConclusionThe MEDI scores showed adequate psychometric properties among adolescents with subclinical emotional symptoms. The results found might have potential clinical implications for conceptualization, assessment, intervention, and prevention of emotional disorders at both clinical and research levels.