Assessing Dimensions of Aggressive Behavior in Diverse Youth: The Peer Conflict Scale in English and Spanish

Abstract

Objective

Researchers have differentiated forms (overt, relational) and functions (proactive, reactive) of aggressive behavior; however, the assessment options for measuring these constructs in youth remain limited. This study examined the parent-report Peer Conflict Scale (PCS) for measuring forms and functions of youth aggressive behavior in English and Spanish, including short- and long-form versions.

Method

Participants were caregivers of 653 youths (ages 6-17; 57% male; 48% Hispanic) throughout North America. The PCS and other measures of emotional, behavioral, and social functioning were collected by parent-report in English (51%) and Spanish (49%). Analyses examined the descriptive characteristics, internal consistency, validity correlations, factor structure, and measurement invariance of the PCS.

Results

All PCS scales showed good or excellent internal consistency (αs/ωs = .82-.97). Convergent and discriminant validity hypotheses were generally supported, but with limited specificity to aggression dimensions. The independent forms-by-functions model (4 factors) fit best, although support was also found for general aggression, forms or functions, and paired form-by-function models (1-4 factors; root mean square error of approximation <0.07, comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index >0.96). The PCS demonstrated invariance and acceptable fit across language, gender, and age groups.

Conclusion

Findings support the reliability, validity, and utility of the PCS for assessing youth aggressive behavior as rated by English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers, whether via full-length (40-item) or brief (20-item) versions. Given that parent-rated PCS dimensions are highly correlated yet distinct, clinicians and researchers could use it to measure and model the aspects of aggressive behavior most relevant to their goals: general aggression, forms, functions, or forms and functions.

Plain language summary

Children and adolescents who engage in aggressive behavior face challenges at home, in school, and in their day-to-day activities. Few instruments can measure both the forms and the functions of aggression in youth, and even fewer have been validated among Spanish-speaking caregivers. Using a large online survey, this study examined a parent-report questionnaire, the Peer Conflict Scale (PCS), in terms of how well it measures the forms and functions of aggressive behavior among diverse youth. Results support the reliability and validity of the PCS, in full-length and short versions, and in English and Spanish.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list.