Unidimensionality of SCL-90-R scales in adult and adolescent crisis samples

The factorial structure and consistency of the SCL-90-R dimensions were investigated in adult (90 male, 94 female) and adolescent (93 male, 120 female) admissions to a crisis intervention unit by means of principal components analysis. All four samples of subjects demonstrated one large factor, which accounted for 66 to 70% of the variance. Second factors in each sample contributed insignificant variance. Factorial invariance across male, female, and adult, adolescent samples was observed. Results suggest the SCL-90-R to be a unidimensional measure in a crisis context. Appropriateness of profile scores within such a context is discussed.