Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Analysis and Validity of the Family Needs Screener

Area of Science:

• Family Violence Research
• Psychological Assessment
• Military Family Services

Background:

• Accurate risk assessment for family violence is crucial for prevention and resource allocation.
• The Family Needs Screener (FNS) assesses risk for intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in military families.
• No prior studies have examined the factor structure of the FNS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the measurement properties of the FNS as a family violence risk assessment tool.
• To investigate the factor structure, measurement invariance, and predictive validity of the FNS.
• To validate the FNS for use with Army families.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was employed.
• Data from 18,159 Army families screened between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed.
• The FNS was matched with substantiated cases of family violence.

Main Results:

• A shortened, five-factor structure of the FNS was supported.
• Full gender invariance was established for the FNS.
• Relationship issues predicted both intimate partner violence and child maltreatment.
• Family history of violence predicted child maltreatment.

Conclusions:

• The FNS is a valid tool for assessing family violence risk in Army populations.
• Findings support the FNS for prioritizing services and planning prevention efforts.
• Implications for scale modification and targeted prevention strategies are discussed.