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Repetitive Behavior Scale for Early Childhood (RBS-EC): Psychometrics and Developmental Effects with a Community
Kathryn Lachance1, Karolina Štětinová1, Robert Rieske2
1Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, 921 S 8th Ave STOP 8201, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA.
Insights
This study validated the Repetitive Behavior Scale for Early Childhood (RBS-EC) in young children. The scale effectively measures restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBIs) in neurotypical children aged 2-7 years.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Behavioral Assessment
Background:
- Restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBIs) are common in early development but can indicate neurodevelopmental disorders if persistent.
- Current assessment tools for RRBIs in young children are limited, hindering research and intervention.
- The Repetitive Behavior Scale for Early Childhood (RBS-EC) is an existing measure needing validation for broader use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Repetitive Behavior Scale for Early Childhood (RBS-EC) in a community sample of neurotypical children.
- To examine the psychometric properties of the RBS-EC in children aged 2-7 years.
- To understand age and gender differences in RRBIs.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 300 caregivers of children aged 2-7 years via Amazon Mechanical Turk.
- Confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the factor structure of the RBS-EC.
- Statistical analyses examined the relationship between RBS-EC scores, age, and gender.
Main Results:
- Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor model of the RBS-EC: repetitive motor, rituals/routines, restricted interests, and self-directed behaviors.
- RBS-EC scores showed significant variations with age and gender.
- RRBIs were less frequent but more problematic in older children and more frequent and problematic in boys compared to girls.
Conclusions:
- The validated RBS-EC is a psychometrically sound and feasible tool for assessing RRBIs in neurotypical children aged 2-7 years.
- Findings provide valuable data on developmental trajectories and sex differences in RRBIs.
- The RBS-EC can aid in the early identification and treatment of RRBIs in childhood.
Abstract:
Restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBIs) occur commonly in young children in the course of typical development, but too frequent or persistent RRBIs have been linked to a variety of psychosocial and neurodevelopmental disorders. Unfortunately, a lack of psychometrically sound, feasible instruments stymies RRBI study and intervention in early childhood. Therefore, this study validated an extant RRBI measure (i.e., Repetitive Behavior Scale for Early Childhood; RBS-EC) for predominately neurotypical community children ages 2-7 years via an MTurk survey of 300 caregivers. Confirmatory factor analyses best supported a 4-factor model for the RBS-EC (i.e., repetitive motor, rituals and routines, restricted interests, self-directed behaviors). RBS-EC scores varied significantly with age and gender; namely, RRBIs were typically (1) less frequent but more problematic with older versus younger children and (2) more frequent and problematic with boys versus girls. Findings extend the RBS-EC's utility in RRBI assessment and treatment during early childhood.
