Factor Structure of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory: Unidimensional or Multidimensional Measure of Disruptive Behavior?

Abstract

Presents evidence from two recent studies that the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is better conceptualized as a multidimensional than as a unidimensional measure of disruptive behavior. In Study 1, with a sample of 1,526 children and adolescents from five pediatric clinics in four states, factor analysis suggested three separate dimensions. The first dimension was similar to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987)oppositional defiant disorder category, the second dimension to the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder category, and the third dimension to the conduct disorder category. Study 2 found three similar dimensions in a stratified random sample of 1,003 children and adolescents from an urban school district. Implications of these results for the use of the ECBI are discussed. Presents evidence from two recent studies that the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is better conceptualized as a multidimensional than as a unidimensional measure of disruptive behavior. In Study 1, with a sample of 1,526 children and adolescents from five pediatric clinics in four states, factor analysis suggested three separate dimensions. The first dimension was similar to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987)oppositional defiant disorder category, the second dimension to the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder category, and the third dimension to the conduct disorder category. Study 2 found three similar dimensions in a stratified random sample of 1,003 children and adolescents from an urban school district. Implications of these results for the use of the ECBI are discussed.