Performance and Symptom Validity Testing in Pediatric Assessment: A Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

There has been an increased recognition that validity testing is an integral component of evaluations conducted with youth. The incorporation of validity testing provides an objective basis for placing confidence in the test data as an accurate assessment of the child’s or adolescent’s current ability level and/or an accurate indication of the child’s or adolescent’s current symptoms or behavioral functioning. The use of objective performance validity and symptom validity is consistent with the current emphasis of data-driven decision-making. This paper provides a review of the literature on performance and symptom validity tests for children and adolescents. The strengths and limitations of the available validity tests are discussed, and recommendations for use in pediatric assessments are provided.