Multifactor modeling of emotional and behavioral risk of preschool-age children

Abstract

Screening for emotional and behavioral risk has become more prevalent with young children; however, not much is known about the latent structure for many of the brief instruments currently being used to assess children. Information concerning the latent structure of an instrument is necessary to support use of the scoring information. The underlying structure of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System, Teacher Rating Form-Preschool (Kamphaus & Reynolds, 2007) was investigated. A sample of ratings of more than 1,400 preschoolers was used to test 4 different confirmatory factor analysis models: (a) unidimensional model, (b) correlated factor model, (c) higher order factor model, and (d) bifactor model. Results showed support for the bifactor model, suggesting that an overall score is useful for interpreting preschoolers' level of emotional and behavioral risk. Relationships between items and the maladaptive risk general factor varied according to content area.