The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) Approach to Assessment

This chapter describes the collaborative process that is underway to develop measures for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP). Research utility and clinical translation of the model require measures that are keyed to the model. The Measures Development Workgroup of HiTOP is developing both questionnaire and interview methods that (a) are specifically tied to the elements of the HiTOP structure and (b) provide one means of testing that structure. The workgroup’s scale development methods are rooted in the principles of construct valid scale development. This chapter summarizes Phase 1 of the project and the next steps needed to finalize the measure and maximize its clinical utility.