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A factor analysis of the important people inventory
David R Groh1, Bradley D Olson, Leonard A Jason
1Center for Community Research, DePaul University, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, USA. dgroh@depaul.edu
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|May 19, 2007
Summary
The Important People Inventory (IP) was analyzed using factor analysis. A new three-factor model emerged, offering a more consistent structure for assessing social support related to alcohol use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Important People Inventory (IP) has been a long-standing tool for network support assessment.
- Previous psychometric limitations and adaptations necessitated a structural re-evaluation of the IP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform factor analyses on the Important People Inventory (IP).
- To develop a more structurally consistent model of the IP scale.
Main Methods:
- Principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was applied.
- Data from a national recovery community sample (N=897) and an inpatient treatment sample (N=150) were utilized.
Main Results:
- A nine-index, three-factor model was identified, explaining two-thirds of the common variance.
- The factors were: Support for Drinking from Network Members, Drinking Behaviours of Network Members, and General Social Support.
Conclusions:
- The Important People Inventory (IP) demonstrates a multi-component structure.
- Further validation of the 'Drinking Behaviours of Network Members' factor is recommended, and 'General Social Support' may require revision.
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