Initial Validation of an Elementary Version of the Positive Family Support Strengths and Needs Assessment

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to conduct an initial validation of the Positive Family Support–Strengths and Needs Assessment (PFS-SaNA) for elementary school children. The PFS-SaNA is designed as a universal screener wherein parents report on common areas their children may need additional support. Parents of children attending one elementary school participated in two consecutive years. A total of 627 parents of elementary school children participated (Year 1 = 368, Year 2 = 259). Exploratory factor analysis was conducted across Years 1 and 2 and a replicability test compared item loadings from Year 1 and Year 2. Finally, evidence of external validity was examined. Results suggested the PFS-SaNA is unidimensional with findings indicating item loadings replicated from Year 1 to Year 2. Finally, evidence of external validity was found. Implications for the PFS-SaNA as a universal parent screener that can be embedded in a multiple gating risk management strategy in elementary school are discussed.

Keywords

elementary families/parent(s)social-emotional

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