scholarly journals Construct validity of behavioral models of anxiety: where experimental psychopathology meets ecology and evolution

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Maximino ◽  
Thiago Marques de Brito ◽  
Amauri Gouveia Jr
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Experimental Psychopathology

scholarly journals Criteria of validity in experimental psychopathology: application to models of anxiety and depression

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 2241-2244 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Vervliet ◽  
F. Raes
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Diagnostic Validity ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Experimental Psychopathology ◽  
Novel Drug

The modeling of abnormal behavior in ‘normal’ subjects (often animals) has a long history in pharmacological research for the screening of novel drug compounds. Systematic criteria have been outlined in that literature to estimate the external validity of a model, that is to estimate how closely the model is linked to the disorder of interest. Experimental psychopathology (EPP) also uses behavioral models to study the psychological processes that underlie abnormal behavior. Although EPP researchers may occasionally feel uneasy about the validity of the model that they use, the issue has not received direct attention in this literature. Here, we review the criteria of validity as set out in pharmacology research (face, predictive and construct validity) and discuss their relevance for EPP research. Furthermore, we propose diagnostic validity as an additional criterion of external validity that is relevant to EPP research. We evaluate two models for the study of anxiety and depression, and show that they have good face, diagnostic and construct validity. However, EPP research generally lacks direct tests of predictive validity. We conclude that combined evaluations of predictive, diagnostic and construct validity provide a sound basis to infer the external validity of behavioral models in EPP research.

scholarly journals Animal Models for Panic Disorder

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhayra Xavier do Carmo Silva ◽  
Sueslene Prado Rocha ◽  
Anderson Manoel Herculano ◽  
Monica Gomes Lima-Maximino ◽  
Caio Maximino
Keyword(s):  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Functional Neuroanatomy ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Defensive Strategies ◽  
Rats And Mice

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent and uncontrollable panic attacks associated with behavioral changes and/or persistent anxiety due to the attacks. The development of behavioral models in animals is important for the understanding of the psychobiological and behavioral bases of PD. The present article reviews the main models used in the current literature. Biobehavioral assays used in rats and mice include fear conditioning (which presents moderate predictive, face, and construct validities); the elevated T-maze (which presents good predictive validity, but low face and construct validities); electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (which presents good face validity, but moderate construct validity); predator exposure models (which present good predictive and moderate construct validity); and hypercapnia-induced responses (which present moderate construct validity). These three approaches seek coherence with theories on fear as a way to increase its translational potential; thus, while the elevated T-maze is supported by the Deakin/Graeff theory, the mouse defense test battery relies on the concept of defensive distance, and periaqueductal gray stimulation is based on the functional neuroanatomy of fear. Moreover, to higher or lower degree the three models are supported by an “etho-experimental” approach, with careful observation of animal behavior as a way of discriminating different defensive strategies that model different aspects of anxiety, fear, and panic. These assays can be used, in conjunction with independent variables that attempt to simulate the vulnerabilities and stressors which lead to panic attacks, to produce true models of PD. Finally, an alternative/complementary model is proposed that uses zebrafish alarm reaction to study this disorder.

scholarly journals Animal Models for Panic Disorder

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sueslene Prado Rocha ◽  
Rhayra Xavier do Carmo Silva ◽  
Anderson Manoel Herculano ◽  
Monica Lima Maximino ◽  
Caio Maximino
Keyword(s):  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Animal Behavior ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Functional Neuroanatomy ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Defensive Strategies

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks associated with behavioral changes and/or persistent anxiety due to the attacks. The development of behavioral models in animals is important for the understanding of the psychobiological and behavioral bases of PD. The present article reviews the main models used in the current literature. The elevated T-maze, used in rats, presents good predictive validity, but its face validity has been questioned. Models using electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray present good face validity, but lesser construct validity. Models relying on predator exposure present good predictive and construct validity. These three approaches seek coherence with theories on PD as a way to increase its translational potential; thus, while the elevated T-maze is supported by the Deakin/Graeff theory, the mouse defense test battery relies on the concept of defensive distance, and periaqueductal gray stimulation is based on the functional neuroanatomy of PD. Moreover, to higher or lower degree the three models are supported by an “etho-experimental” approach, with careful observation of animal behavior as a way of discriminating different defensive strategies that model different aspects of anxiety, fear, and panic. Finally, an alternative/complementary model is proposed that uses zebrafish alarm reaction to study this disorder.

scholarly journals Assessing behavior and cognition in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans: where are the limits of translation?

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-259
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Behavioral Test ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Neurocognitive Test ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Behavior And Cognition

New psychopharmacological treatments are needed for affective and nonaffective psychoses, especially for the associated negative and cognitive symptoms. Earlier developments mostly failed, probably partly because of limitations in behavioral models used for validation. Now, deeper understanding of the genetics underlying disease pathogenesis and progress in genetic engineering will generate many rodent models with increased construct validity. To improve these models’ translational value, we need complementary data from nonhuman primates. We also have to improve and streamline behavioral test systems to cope with increased demand. Here, we propose a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery that should overcome the disadvantages of single tests and yield cognitive/behavioral profiles for modeling subsets of patient symptoms. Further, we delineate a concept for classifying disease-relevant cognitive endophenotypes to balance between face and construct validity and clinical diagnostics. In summary, this review discusses new concepts and the limitations and future potential of translational research on cognition in psychiatry.

scholarly journals Behavioral models in psychopathology: Epistemic and semantic considerations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Maximino ◽  
Franz Josef van der Staay
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Comparative Psychology ◽  
Behavioral Pharmacology ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Experimental Psychopathology ◽  
Evaluation Approaches ◽  
Theoretical Considerations

The use of animals in neurosciences has a long history. It is considered indispensable in areas in which “translational” research is deemed invaluable, such as behavioral pharmacology and comparative psychology. Animal models are being used in pharmacology and genetics to screen for treatment targets, and in the field of experimental psychopathology to understand the neurobehavioral underpinnings of a disorder and of its putative treatment. The centrality of behavioral models betrays the complexity of the epistemic and semantic considerations which are needed to understand what a model is. In this review, such considerations are made, and the breadth of model building and evaluation approaches is extended to include theoretical considerations on the etiology of mental disorders. This expansion is expected to help improve the validity of behavioral models and to increase their translational value. Moreover, the role of theory in improving construct validity creates the need for behavioral scientists to fully engage this process.

Construct Validity of Sensation Seeking: A Psychometric Investigation

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Beauducel ◽  
Burkhard Brocke ◽  
Alexander Strobel ◽  
Anja Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
German Version ◽  
Trait Theory ◽  
Multilevel Theory ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale ◽  
Psychometric Investigation

Abstract: Zuckerman postulated a biopsychological multilevel theory of Sensation Seeking, which is part of a more complex multi-trait theory, the Alternative Five. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS V) was developed for the measurement of Sensation Seeking. The process of validation of Sensation Seeking as part of a multilevel theory includes analyses of relations within and between several levels of measurement. The present study investigates validity and basic psychometric properties of a German version of the SSS V in a broader context of psychometric traits. - The 120 participants were mainly students. They completed the SSS V, the Venturesomeness- and Impulsiveness-Scales of the IVE, the BIS/BAS-Scales, the ZKPQ and the NEO-FFI. - The results reveal acceptable psychometric properties for the SSS V but with limitations with regard to factor structure. Indications for criterion validity were obtained by prediction of substance use by the subscales Dis and BS. The results of a MTMM analysis, especially the convergent validities of the SSS V were quite satisfying. On the whole, the results yielded sufficient support for the validity of the Sensation Seeking construct or the instrument respectively. They also point to desirable modifications.

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