Psychometric Properties of the Very Short Form of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ-vsf)

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.122.AO13

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of the Very Short Form of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), an instrument used to assess child temperament. A total of 438 mothers of children aged 3 to 7 years participated in the study. Participants completed the Very Short Form of the CBQ and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Exploratory, confirmatory, and multigroup factor analyses were conducted, along with assessments of internal consistency and correlations with external measures. The results revealed a three-factor structure (Extraversion, Negative Affectivity, and Effortful Control), consistent with the original proposal. Only after the removal of several items did the final version, comprising 15 items, demonstrate adequate model fit (CFI = 0.933, TLI = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.046, and SRMR = 0.061), indicating weaknesses related to the original factor structure and the scale adaptation process. The Extraversion dimension showed lower reliability and was composed of only three items, all related to shyness. Based on this structure, the measure was invariant across boys and girls in the configural, metric, and scalar models, and it demonstrated evidence of both convergent and divergent validity with measures of behavioral problems and prosocial behavior. We recommend further psychometric studies focusing primarily on the internal structure and content validity. We also reiterate the cautious use of the instrument in Brazil.

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Published

2025-09-23

How to Cite

Lima Reis, H., Formigheiri , A. K., Coltro , B. P., Larissa , L., de Souza, C. D., & Vieira , M. L. (2025). Psychometric Properties of the Very Short Form of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ-vsf). Psicologia Argumento, 43(122). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.122.AO13