Browsing by Author "Gutierrez, Abbi L., 1995-"

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Siblings of children with chronic illnesses : validation of the Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ).
(2023-08) Gutierrez, Abbi L., 1995-; Limbers, Christine A.
Objective The objective of the current study was to validate the parent-report version of the Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) for use with healthy children who have a chronically ill sibling. Methods Participants were 200 caregivers of healthy children ages 9-17 years who had a sibling (ages 0-18 years) diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, spina bifida, or congenital heart disease. The average age of well-siblings was 16.15 years (SD=2.42). The sample was 55.5% male and 62% non-Hispanic White. Results The SPQ had adequate internal consistency reliability for the total score (α=.83), Interpersonal score (α=.78), and Fear of Disease score (α=.71). The SPQ displayed adequate convergent validity as evidenced by medium to large positive correlations (r=.39-.56) between the SPQ, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by weak negative correlations between the SPQ and Altman Self Rating Scale (r=-.22). While the original four-factor model of the SPQ displayed a poor model fit (CFI=.6, RMSEA=.11, TLI=.55, SRMR=.14), a revised, shorter 14-item four-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit (CFI=.92, RMSEA=.07, TLI=.90, SRMR=.06). Conclusion Taken as a whole, these findings largely demonstrate adequate reliability and validity of the parent-report version of the SPQ. However, the factor structure did not meet acceptability standards and the Intrapersonal and Communication subscales should be interpreted with caution. The shortened, 14-item parent-report version of the SPQ (SPQ-R) demonstrated superior model fit, has valid and reliable subscales, and has the potential to reduce the burden of families filling out the measure.