Cross-Cultural Investigation in Differential Perceptions of Externalizing Symptoms

Abstract

The current study examined cross-cultural differences in perceptions of certain externalizing symptoms, such as those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – hyperactivity impulsivity (ADHD-HI) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For this study, 39 American and 34 Japanese college students rated the acceptability of externalizing symptoms. The results showed cross-cultural patterns of perceptions for externalizing symptoms. In terms of ADHD-HI symptoms, Americans were less accepting of “often interrupts or intrudes on others” and “often has difficulty awaiting his or her turn” while Japanese individuals were less accepting of “often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat” and “often on the go, acting as if driven by motor.” For ODD symptoms, Americans were less accepting of “often blames others,” “often actively defies or refuses to comply with request,” “is often angry and resentful,” “often loses temper,” and “often deliberately annoys others.” This study showed the possible perceptual differences of symptoms between Japanese and American populations, which may be the first step in testing the nonequivalence of DSM-5 constructs of externalizing disorders.