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. 2007 Jun;19(2):189-98.
doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.19.2.189.

Examining the structural validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a U.S. sample of custodial grandmothers

Patrick A Palmieri  1 , Gregory C Smith
Affiliations

Examining the structural validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a U.S. sample of custodial grandmothers

Patrick A Palmieri et al. Psychol Assess. 2007 Jun.

Abstract

The authors examined the structural validity of the parent informant version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with a sample of 733 custodial grandparents. Three models of the SDQ's factor structure were evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis based on the item covariance matrix. Although indices of fit were good across all 3 models, a model that included a newly hypothesized positive construal method factor in addition to the 4 symptom factors (Emotional Symptoms, Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity-Inattention, Peer Problems) and the single Prosocial Behavior factor originally intended for the SDQ provided the best representation of this instrument's latent structure. Structural validity was further evidenced by measurement invariance across grandparent race and grandchild gender and age, a conceptually meaningful pattern of cross-scale correlations, and the acceptable internal reliability estimates found for each subscale. Measurement and clinical implications of the results are discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Three hypothesized structural models of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire were evaluated by means of confirmatory factor analysis. A: Five-factor higher order model (Model 1). B: Five-factor lower order model (Model 2). C: Six-factor model, including a positive wording method factor (Model 3). Disturbances are omitted to simplify the graphical depictions.
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