The Peer Aggressive and Reactive Behaviors Questionnaire (PARB-Q): evidence of validity in the Brazilian context

Abstract

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Peer Aggressive and Reactive Behaviors Questionnaire (PARB-Q), a self-report instrument comprising two independent scales that assess aggressive behavior and reactions to peer aggression. A total of 727 elementary schoolchildren aged 8-13 years (52% boys) were included. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the factor structure. The Brazilian version of the PARB-Q was consistent with the original version. The results of the exploratory factor analyses (EFA) indicated a one-factor solution for the first scale (Peer Aggression Scale) and a three-factor solution (Reactive Aggression, Seeking Teacher Support, and Internalizing Reaction) for the Reaction to Peer Aggression Scale. The confirmatory analyses for both scales yielded good fit indices. The results of the statistical analyses suggested adequate psychometric properties and satisfactory validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the PARB-Q, making it a useful tool for assessing aggressive behavior as well as children's reactions to aggression by their peers.