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Factor structure and subtest differences on the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire in a Latino, African-American,
R Johnson1, F C Gomez, K Sanders-Phillips
1University of San Diego, Alcala Park, CA 92110, USA.
Insights
This study validated the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) is a tool used to assess behavioral issues in young children.
- Understanding the factor structure of the PBQ is crucial for accurate behavioral assessment across diverse populations.
- Previous research has not fully explored the PBQ's factor structure in a multi-ethnic sample of Head Start preschoolers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the factor structure of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) in a diverse sample of African-American, Euro-American, Asian, and Hispanic children.
- To determine the most interpretable factor solution for the PBQ in this population.
- To investigate ethnic differences in PBQ subscale scores.
Main Methods:
- Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed on PBQ data from 304 Head Start children (3-4 years old).
- Two- and three-factor solutions were extracted and evaluated for interpretability.
- Subscale scores were compared across ethnic groups (African-American, Euro-American, Asian, Hispanic).
Main Results:
- A two-factor solution provided a clear structure, aligning with Aggressive-Hyperactive-Distractible and Anxious-Fearful dimensions.
- While a three-factor solution was statistically viable, it offered less interpretable dimensions.
- Significant ethnic group differences were found; Euro-American children scored higher on the Anxious subtest compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- The two-factor structure of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire is robust and interpretable in a diverse Head Start population.
- The findings suggest potential cultural variations in the expression or reporting of anxiety in young children.
- Implications for clinical practice and future research on behavioral assessment in diverse early childhood settings are discussed.
Abstract:
This study examined the factor structure of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire in a sample of African-American, Euro-American, Asian, and Hispanic children. The sample consisted of 304 children (141 boys, 163 girls) 3- and 4-yr.-old and enrolled in Head Start. A principal component analysis with a varimax rotation was conducted and two- and three-factor solutions were extracted. A two-factor solution produced a clear interpretive structure representing Fowler and Park's 1979 Aggressive-Hyperactive-Distractible and Anxious-Fearful factors. Even though a three-factor solution was statistically appropriate, extracting more than two factors yielded dimensions difficult to interpret. Examination of subscale differences among ethnic groups indicated significant group effect for ethnicity. Further examination showed that Euro-American children are rated significantly higher on the Anxious subtest than Latino, African-American, and Asian children, but there were no other subscale differences. Clinical and research implications are discussed.