Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale in a Diverse Sample of Children Exposed to Interpersonal Violence

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale in a Diverse Sample of Children Exposed to Interpersonal Violence
Language: English
Authors: Spilsbury, James C., Drotar, Dennis, Burant, Christopher, Flannery, Daniel, Creeden, Rosemary, Friedman, Steve
Source: Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. 2005 34(4):758-764.
Availability: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Journal Subscription Department, 10 Industrial Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262. Tel: 800-926-6579 (Toll Free); e-mail: journals@erlbaum.com.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2005
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Measures (Individuals), Psychometrics, Behavior Problems, Construct Validity, Factor Analysis, Violence, Young Children, Emotional Response, Emotional Problems, African Americans, Whites
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Behavior Problem Checklist
DOI: 10.1207/s15374424jccp3404_17
ISSN: 1537-4416
Abstract: This study determined psychometric properties of the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS) with an ethnically diverse sample of 383 children 2 to 7 years of age exposed to interpersonal violence and participating in a community-based intervention. Means and alpha coefficients for the total scale and 3 subscales fell within previously reported parameters. Separate exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that compared to the PEDS's 3-factor structure (Anxious/Withdrawn, Fearful, Act Out), a modified PEDS model with 2 latent factors (Act Out and Internalize) better fit the data and also held for both African American and White subsamples. Different correlations between the two factors and the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist further suggested that the factors represented unique latent constructs and gave evidence of construct validity. The modified PEDS could potentially be used for screening children exposed to violence.
Abstractor: Author
Entry Date: 2005
Accession Number: EJ722576
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study determined psychometric properties of the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS) with an ethnically diverse sample of 383 children 2 to 7 years of age exposed to interpersonal violence and participating in a community-based intervention. Means and alpha coefficients for the total scale and 3 subscales fell within previously reported parameters. Separate exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that compared to the PEDS's 3-factor structure (Anxious/Withdrawn, Fearful, Act Out), a modified PEDS model with 2 latent factors (Act Out and Internalize) better fit the data and also held for both African American and White subsamples. Different correlations between the two factors and the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist further suggested that the factors represented unique latent constructs and gave evidence of construct validity. The modified PEDS could potentially be used for screening children exposed to violence.
ISSN:1537-4416
DOI:10.1207/s15374424jccp3404_17