Psychometric properties of Japanese version of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version-IV Scale-Teacher Form: A study of school children in community samples

Background: Psychometric properties of The Japanese version of Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV scale (SNAP-IV)-Teacher Form were examined in this study. Method: Community samples of 1296 children (Grade 1–9, boys 52.9%) were collected from public elementary/middle schools in suburban areas. Teachers rated their children’s behavior using Japanese version of SNAP-IV-Teacher Form and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: A three-factor structure model, which was equivalent with AD/HD symptoms subscales (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and oppositional-defiant disorder symptoms subscale was obtained and confirmed in an explorative/confirmative factorial analysis (Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.913, Comparative Fit Index = 0.959, root mean square error of approximation = 0.056). The current version of the SNAP-IV-Teacher Form demonstrated good test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.752–0.822), high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.933–0.952), significant correlations with relevant subscales of Japanese version of SDQ, and typical effects of age and gender on those subscales. Conclusion: The current study indicates that the Japanese version of SNAP-IV-Teacher Form is a reliable and valid instrument for rating symptoms related to AD/HD and ODD.