Latent Structure of Scores From the Emotional and Behavioral Screener
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2022
Keywords
emotional and behavioral screener, factor structure, behavior rating scale, universal screening, prevention
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/0734282916676130
Abstract
The Emotional and Behavioral Screener (EBS) is a recently developed teacher-reported brief screening instrument for identifying students who are at-risk of an emotional or behavioral disorder (EBD). Although prior research supports the technical adequacy of scores from the EBS, there is a gap in the literature regarding strong evidence of the factor structure underlying EBS scores. This study investigated the latent structure of scores from the EBS in a sample of 646 elementary students who were rated by their teachers in a 2-week screening period. Single-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bifactor models were used to test the hypothesis that EBS scores are a measure of both overall emotional and behavioral risk and students’ externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Results supported a bifactor structure, in that scores from the EBS can be considered to represent a general factor (i.e., risk of EBD) and two group factors (i.e., externalizing and internalizing domains). Findings have implications for interpreting scores when using the EBS as a universal screener for the risk of EBD.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, v. 36, issue 3, p. 249-260
Scholar Commons Citation
Lambert, Matthew C.; January, Stacy-Ann A.; and Pierce, Corey D., "Latent Structure of Scores From the Emotional and Behavioral Screener" (2022). Educational and Psychological Studies Faculty Publications. 244.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/esf_facpub/244
