Validation of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology – Self Report (HiTOP-SR): Internal Structure and Construct Validity against the MMPI-3 in a Community Sample

The current study aimed to evaluate the hierarchical structure and construct validity of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology Self-Report (HiTOP-SR) measure. Using data from a combined sample of 775 community and undergraduate participants, exploratory factor analysis initially yielded a 7-factor solution reflecting broad psychopathology domains: Internalizing, Disinhibited Externalizing, Antagonistic Externalizing, Low Positive Emotionality, Eating Pathology, Sexual Dysfunction, and Anankastia. Subsequent elaboration of a lower order structure based on the first three broader domains yielded seven additional factors: Fear and Somatoform, Thought Disorder, Suicide, Negative Affectivity, and Narcissism, resulting in a total of 11factors at the most nuanced level. Sequential hierarchical modeling iteratively traced the factor structure from one global psychopathology factor down to the 7-factor level, and subsequently, 11-factor level. Construct validity of the factor structures was evaluated via correlation and regression analyses using scales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3). These results yielded broad support for the convergent validity of the HiTOP-SR structure, as the various factors demonstrated meaningful associations with conceptually relevant MMPI-3 scale scores. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the HiTOP-SR as a promising dimensional assessment tool aligned with key aspects of the HiTOP framework, while also highlighting directions for further replication and refinement.