Factor structure of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory: A parent rating scale of oppositional defiant behavior toward adults, inattentive behavior, and conduct problem behavior

Used the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) to measure disruptive behav ior problems in children and adolescents. A controversy exists, however on the dimensional structure of the ECBI. To evaluate this issue, an explorato ry factor analysis was first performed on a sample of 1,263 children and ad olescents. This analysis identified 3 meaningful factors (ie., Oppositional Defiant Behavior Toward Adults, Inattentive Behavior and Conduct Problem B ehavior) and a fourth, poorly defined factor A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the fit of the 3 meaningful factors in a second sample of 1,264 children and adolescents. The 3-factor model with 2 correlated errors provided a excellent fit. This 3-factor model also provided a significantl y better fit than 2- and I-factor models. Multiple group CFA indicated that the factor pattern, item-factor loadings, factor correlations, and correla ted errors were equivalent across the samples. The CFA on sex yielded simil ar results. Initial normative information is presented for boys (n = 1,322) and girls (n = 1,205) within 4 age ranges (i.e., 25, 6-9, 10-13, 14-17) fo r the 3 factors. The use of these 3 factors, especially Oppositional Defian t Behavior and Conduct Problem Behavior should make the ECBI more useful as a screening and outcome measure.