ERIC Number: EJ1446300
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Beyond School Climate: Validating the "School as a Protective Factor-Brief" Survey
Christa L. Lilly; Alfgeir L. Kristjansson; Megan L. Smith; Inibjorg Eva Thrisdottir; Ashley Havlicak; Michael J. Mann
Journal of School Health, v94 n11 p1079-1094 2024
Background: The conceptual framework for "School as a Protective Factor" approach was presented in a companion article in this issue of the journal. The current article describes the validation of the "School as a Protective Factor-Brief (SPF-Brief)," a 13-item survey measuring the 3 core constructs and 13 defining characteristics of this framework. Methods: The "SPF-Brief" was validated through 2 studies. The developmental study used a longitudinal design including 1349 participants who completed surveys over 5 semesters, while the validation study used a cross-sectional design with 2775 participants. Both studies included middle and high school students. Factor analysis, growth model analysis, criterion-related validation, and outcome analysis were employed. Results: Analyses provided strong evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the instrument and conceptual framework. Higher "SPF-Brief" scores were associated with higher math grades, English grades, and quality of life, as well as lower rates of anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, alcohol, e-cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis use. Effect size estimates ranged from moderate to strong. Conclusions: These findings suggest the utility of the "SPF-Brief" instrument and the "School as a Protective Factor" framework. Together, they may offer advantages to the traditional school climate approach.
Descriptors: Educational Environment, Test Validity, Measures (Individuals), Middle School Students, High School Students, Factor Analysis, Test Reliability, Mathematics Achievement, English Instruction, Academic Achievement, Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Behavior Disorders, Alcohol Abuse, Smoking, Marijuana, Drug Use
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: R01AA027241