The neglect scale: confirmatory factor analyses in a low-income sample

Child Maltreat. 2002 Nov;7(4):359-68. doi: 10.1177/107755902237266.

Abstract

The Neglect Scale is an easy-to-administer, retrospective, self-report measure of neglect. Research conducted by Straus and colleagues with college students indicates that this scale has a high level of internal consistency reliability and moderate construct validity. The purpose of this article is to examine the reliability and validity of the Neglect Scale when used with a low-income, inner-city sample. The sample included 151 women who were participating in a neglect prevention demonstration project. The Neglect Scale was completed as part of a computer-administered baseline interview before services were provided. To assess whether the 20-item, four-factor structure reported by Straus et al. fit the data from this sample, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed; the model did not fit the data well. Additional analyses identified a model that did fit the data well and suggest that the Neglect Scale is a promising self-report measure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Poverty*
  • Psychometrics
  • United States
  • Urban Population