Psychometric validation of the Barkley SCT (sluggish cognitive tempo) scale in Turkish adolescents: Assessing SCT in a clinically referred, culturally distinct population.

OBJECTIVE

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is characterized by excessive daydreaming, lethargy, slowed thinking, and mental confusion. This study aimed to examine the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version of the Barkley SCT Scale in a clinically referred adolescent sample, and to explore its distinctiveness from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

METHODS

The sample included 252 adolescents (aged 11-18, 71 % female) who completed the Turkish-adapted Barkley SCT Scale and the Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale (CASS-S). A subsample of 20 adolescents completed the SCT scale again after one week for test-retest analysis. Data were analyzed using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Convergent validity and gender differences were also assessed.

RESULTS

ESEM supported a two-factor structure, comprising Daydreaming (items 1-5) and Sluggishness (items 6-9), with excellent model fit (RMSEA =.044; CFI =.974; TLI =.964). Internal consistency was good for the total scale (α =.82) and acceptable for both subscales. Test-retest analyses showed moderate stability for single administrations (ICC =.454) and excellent reliability when repeated scores were aggregated (ICC =.937). Daydreaming was strongly associated with cognitive problems/inattention (r = .652), while Sluggishness showed weaker or nonsignificant correlations with hyperactivity/impulsivity, supporting SCT's distinction from externalizing ADHD features. Females scored significantly higher than males on both SCT subscales.

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of the Barkley SCT Scale demonstrates sound psychometric properties for assessing SCT in adolescents. ESEM findings underscore the multidimensionality of SCT and its partial dissociation from ADHD constructs. While these results support the scale's clinical utility within the Turkish context, further cross-cultural research is needed to determine whether similar findings would emerge in other populations. This study provides an initial foundation for future diagnostic and intervention research.