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Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire for Children (SPSRQ-C)

Abstract:

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory has been applied to childhood psychopathology and the development of different types of personality in recent years. Few studies have reported evidence of the reliability/validity of specific measures based on this theory. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the measures obtained through the Spanish version of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire for Children (SPSRQ-C) in a community sample of N= 478 children aged 6. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the three-factor model was the best solution with indexes of moderate to good fit. Resulting factors were F1 sensitivity-to-punishment, F2 impulsivity/fun-seeking and drive and F3 reward-responsivity. High correlations were achieved between empirical SPSRQ-C factors and external measures: a) F1 largely correlated with anxiety-depression and internalizing problems, shyness and negative affectivity; b) F2 was strongly related to externalizing problems (attention-aggressive), activity level and surgency; and c) F3 achieved the highest correlations with externalizing problems. These results highlight the validity of the SPSRQ-C measures to be used with young children from the general population. Availability of accurate measures of response to punishment and reward is especially valuable in educational and therapeutic plans that include discipline and incentives as contingencies.