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The neglect scale: confirmatory factor analyses in a low-income sample
Donna Harrington1, Susan Zuravin, Diane DePanfilis
1Ruth H. Young Child Welfare Center, University of Maryland School of Social Work, USA.
Child Maltreatment
|November 1, 2002
Summary
The Neglect Scale shows promise as a self-report measure for assessing neglect in diverse populations. Further analysis confirmed its validity and reliability in a low-income, inner-city sample.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Neglect Scale is a self-report tool for assessing neglect.
- Previous research with college students indicated good reliability and moderate construct validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Neglect Scale in a low-income, inner-city population.
- To assess the fit of the previously reported four-factor structure with new data.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 151 women in a neglect prevention project completed the Neglect Scale.
- Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the scale's structure.
- Additional analyses were conducted to identify a well-fitting model.
Main Results:
- The original 20-item, four-factor model did not adequately fit the data from this sample.
- Further analysis identified an alternative model that demonstrated a good fit.
- These findings support the Neglect Scale's utility in this specific demographic.
Conclusions:
- The Neglect Scale is a potentially valuable self-report measure for assessing neglect.
- Adaptations to the scale's structure may be necessary for specific populations.
- The study supports the continued use and development of the Neglect Scale.