Confirmatory factor analysis of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe)

Abstract

The Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) is a 46-item questionnaire that measures behaviors associated with frontal subcortical deficits (apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction) in adult neurologic populations. Based on findings from a previous exploratory factor analysis on the scale, the current study used confirmatory factor analysis to explore and potentially improve on the measurement model fit of current FrSBe scores. Model fit indices and reliabilities (measured using internal consistency reliability) were compared in the original and in several alternative models. The original scale demonstrated a generally good fitting model, although the best fitting model (referred to as the reduced model) removed eight items from the original measure and modestly improved model fit over the original FrSBe. Strong reliability was found in both versions. Results from the current study provide a critical first step in a potential FrSBe scale revision.

Keywords: behavioral dysfunction; frontal lobe; frontal subcortical functions.