Validation of the expression and emotion scale for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder into Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract

Objective: To validate the parent-rated Expression and Emotion Scale for Children (EESC) for patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The EESC was applied to parents of children with and without ADHD. The children were divided into age groups: Group A, between six and eight years old; Group B, between nine and 11 years old; and Group C, between 12 and 15 years old. The validation was carried out according to the steps proposed by Guillemin et al. For the statistical calculation, Cronbach’s α, Pearson’s correlation, the ICC and ROC curve were used. Results: The statistical tests showed satisfactory coefficients: Cronbach’s α = 0.76; Pearson’s correlation r = 0.91 with CI 95%; replicability ICC = 0.66; sensitivity 0.75; specificity 0.67; accuracy 71%. Conclusion: According to psychometric data on internal and external consistency (reliability, reproducibility), sensitivity, and specificity, the parent-rated EESC for ADHD is useful in assessing emotional expression.