Confirmatory factor analysis of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in a clinical sample

Child Neuropsychol. 2002 Dec;8(4):249-57. doi: 10.1076/chin.8.4.249.13513.

Abstract

Evidence for the validity of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000) based on internal structure was examined in a sample of children with mixed clinical diagnoses via maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis. Four alternative factor models of children's executive function, based on current theories that posit a unidimensional versus fractionated model (Rabbitt, 1997; Shallice & Burgess, 1991), using the revised 9-scale BRIEF configuration that separates two components of the Monitor scale, were examined for model fit. A 3-factor structure best modeled the data when compared directly with 1-, 2-, and 4-factor models. The 3-factor model was defined by a Behavior Regulation factor consisting of the BRIEF Inhibit and Self-Monitor scales, an Emotional Regulation factor consisting of the Emotional Control and Shift scales, and a Metacognition factor composed of the Working Memory, Initiate, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, and Task-Monitor scales. The findings support a fractionated, multi-component view of executive function as measured by the BRIEF.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affect
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Control, Informal
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*