Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF): support for a distinction between emotional and behavioral regulation

Child Neuropsychol. 2010;16(4):326-37. doi: 10.1080/09297041003601462. Epub 2010 Mar 5.

Abstract

Previous research has supported a three-factor division of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) when dividing the parent form in 9 instead of 8 subscales. The present study investigated different factor models in the 8- and 9-scale division in both the parent and teacher form of the Norwegian BRIEF version. Confirmatory Factor Analyzes showed best fit for the three-factor model in a mixed healthy and clinical sample, indicating a distinction between Emotional and Behavioral Regulation. This division is in accordance with present knowledge of brain function and may increase the specificity of executive dysfunction in clinical groups.

MeSH terms

  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / physiology*
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Norway
  • Psychometrics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires