Measurement of alcohol-related consequences among high school and college students: application of item response models to the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index

Psychol Assess. 2006 Dec;18(4):402-14. doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.18.4.402.

Abstract

The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI; H. R. White & E. W. Labouvie, 1989) is a frequently used measure of alcohol-related consequences in adolescents and college students, but psychometric evaluations of the RAPI are limited and it has not been validated with college students. This study used item response theory (IRT) to examine the RAPI on students (N = 895; 65% female, 35% male) assessed in both high school and college. A series of 2-parameter IRT models were computed, examining differential item functioning across gender and time points. A reduced 18-item measure demonstrating strong clinical utility is proposed, with scores of 8 or greater implying greater need for treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Alcoholism / diagnosis*
  • Alcoholism / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*