Factor structure of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory: a parent rating scale of Oppositional Defiant Behavior Toward Adults, Inattentive Behavior, and Conduct Problem Behavior

J Clin Child Psychol. 2000 Dec;29(4):569-77. doi: 10.1207/S15374424JCCP2904_9.

Abstract

Used the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) to measure disruptive behavior problems in children and adolescents. A controversy exists, however, on the dimensional structure of the ECBI. To evaluate this issue, an exploratory factor analysis was first performed on a sample of 1,263 children and adolescents. This analysis identified 3 meaningful factors (i.e., Oppositional Defiant Behavior Toward Adults, Inattentive Behavior and Conduct Problem Behavior) and a fourth, poorly defined factor. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the fit of the 3 meaningful factors in a second sample of 1,264 children and adolescents. The 3-factor model with 2 correlated errors provided a excellent fit. This 3-factor model also provided a significantly better fit than 2- and 1-factor models. Multiple group CFA indicated that the factor pattern, item-factor loadings, factor correlations, and correlated errors were equivalent across the samples. The CFA on sex yielded similar results. Initial normative information is presented for boys (n = 1,322) and girls (n = 1,205) within 4 age ranges (i.e., 2-5, 6-9, 10-13, 14-17) for the 3 factors. The use of these 3 factors, especially Oppositional Defiant Behavior and Conduct Problem Behavior, should make the ECBI more useful as a screening and outcome measure.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Conduct Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Psychometrics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity