Psychometric evaluation of the early childhood behavior questionnaire very short form in low-income WIC mothers and toddlers
Open Access
- Author:
- James, Brittany L
- Graduate Program:
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- December 12, 2013
- Committee Members:
- Leann L Birch, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Michael J Rovine, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Jennifer Savage Williams, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor - Keywords:
- toddler temperament
ecbq
factor analysis
WIC - Abstract:
- Prior research has revealed that aspects of temperament, defined as individual differences in regulation and reactivity, are related to child weight status. However, very little research has examined these associations among high-risk populations. 215 mothers with children 12-36 months old participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Pennsylvania completed basic demographic information and the very short Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ), which identifies three higher-order factors of temperament, Surgency, Negativity, and Effortful Control. Child weight and length were collected. Mothers completed the ECBQ and self reported weight and height. Mothers were primarily white (71%) and overweight (mean BMI 29.4). 36% of toddlers were above the 85th percentile on WHO weight for length measurements. Confirmatory factor analysis of the ECBQ very short form revealed a poor fit. Exploratory factor analysis was then conducted to determine the optimal model fit. Higher levels of Surgency and Effortful Control were associated with less frequent use of food to soothe, while higher levels of Negativity were associated with greater use. The ECBQ may serve as an acceptable measure of temperament in toddlers as young as 12 months, but additional work is needed to determine its efficacy and developmental appropriateness in diverse samples. Associations between toddler temperament and parent feeding styles in this WIC sample are consistent with findings from lower risk samples, which points toward its potential use as a universal tool in identifying an early risk factor for childhood obesity.