Factorial structure of the resiliency scale for children and adolescents (RSCA) among incarcerated male adolescent offenders

The Journal of Forensic Practice,Volume 19, Issue 1, February 2017. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the factor structure of the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA, Prince-Embury, 2006, 2007) and to provide supporting evidence that this is a psychometrically sound measure for practitioners and researchers to use to assess resilience in incarcerated male adolescent offenders in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to determine if the factor structure could be replicated among incarcerated male adolescent offenders. Concurrent validation of the measure was also conducted, utilising the Beck Youth Inventory, 2nd edition (BYI-II -II; Beck, Beck, Jolly& Steer 2005). Findings CFA of the RSCA was unable to confirm the structure of the measure at an item-level. Parcelling techniques were utilised, using the subscales for the factors as indicators for the factors. While a three-factor model was found to be an acceptable fit to the data, there was also some support for a two-factor model. Despite this, there was more statistical support for the three-factor model and arguments are made for retaining this structure. Expected associations between the three subscales of Sense of Mastery, Sense of Relatedness, and Emotional Reactivity were found with the Beck Youth Inventory demonstrating support for the concurrent validity of the measure in incarcerated male adolescent offenders. Practical implications This p...
Source: Journal of Forensic Practice - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research