Abstract
BackgroundThis study evaluates the psychometric properties of four models of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a sample of 1470 children and adolescents from Biblián, Ecuador. The instrument has been used by researchers and students. However, there are not reports that show that the instrument is valid or reliable in the Ecuadorian context.MethodsReliability was evaluated through Cronbach’s Alpha, McDonald’s Omega, Intra-class Correlations and Greatest Lower Bound (GLB). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with polychoric correlation matrix and Diagonally Weighted Least Square (DWLS) estimator is performed in each model. Due to possible readability problems, CFA was performed in three age groups. Measurement invariance analysis across biological sex and two groups of age is carried out.ResultsCFA and reliability analysis revealed poor construct validity of the original version of SDQ. Three additional factor structures were tested. A version that includes a prosocial subscale, and ҅ internalizing ҆ subscale and an ҅ externalizing ҆ subscale has the best yet insufficient construct validity properties among the four models (CFI = .858, TLI = .844, RMSEA = .055, WRMR = 1.588). Cronbach’s Alpha for the subscales ranged from .44 to .71, McDonald’s Omega from .22 to .606, GLB from .612 to .693, and ICC from .385 to .63. Measurement invariance analysis found no evidence of invariance across sex groups and evidence of partial invariance across age groups.ConclusionsThe four tested models have questionable psychometric properties. Consequently, the use of the SDQ in the Ecuadorian context is not advisable. The three-factor first-order model of the SDQ that shows the best validity and reliability properties does not have undisputed psychometric properties. Comparisons across groups of age and/or sex using the SDQ should not be made.
Highlights
This study evaluates the psychometric properties of four models of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a sample of 1470 children and adolescents from Biblián, Ecuador
This paper reports the psychometric properties of the self-responded version of the SDQ to find out whether cultural and idiomatic characteristics of Ecuador affect its validity and reliability
This paper aims to evaluate different factor structures of the self-respondent version of the SDQ as part of an International Migration Project that aims to evaluate the non-monetary effects of migration
Summary
This study evaluates the psychometric properties of four models of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a sample of 1470 children and adolescents from Biblián, Ecuador. The instrument has been used by researchers and students. There are not reports that show that the instrument is valid or reliable in the Ecuadorian context. International migration is prevalent in Biblián, Ecuador. A number of projects have studied the effects of international migration on monetary and non-monetary dimensions. Despite the self-respondent version was designed to be answered by children and adolescents ages 11 to 17 years old, other research has validated the SDQ in children as young as 6 years old [5,6,7]. Other investigation has shown that the readability of the questionnaire is deficient in children under 13 years old [8]
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