Investigating and Cross-Validating Alternative Factor Structures of the Basc-3 Bess TRA-C/A

Bibliographic Data

ID22415997
AuthorsJoni W Splett (0000-0001-8466-8187, University of Florida, corresponding author), Christine Distefano (0000-0001-7504-6554, University of South Carolina), Ning Jiang (0000-0003-1373-7995, University of South Carolina), Joseph W Graham (0000-0002-7487-5796, University of Florida), W Joshua Bradley (0000-0001-8780-5183, University of South Carolina), Colleen A Halliday (0000-0002-6736-7275, Medical University of South Carolina), Mark D Weist (0000-0001-9114-8462, University of South Carolina)
Year2026
Publication date2026-04-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychoeducational Assessment (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0734-2829 • E-ISSN: 1557-5144
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/07342829261439466
OpenAlexW7151523931
LanguageEN
References cited34

Universal screening of students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs requires psychometrically sound tools to support timely intervention. The BASC-3 BESS Teacher Form–Child/Adolescent is widely used for this purpose, yet independent evaluations of the form are limited and often do not test alternative factor structures beyond those stated in the manual. This study examined four factorial models using data from 5,150 K–5 students rated by 278 teachers across 10 elementary schools in two Southeastern states. The sample was randomly divided into a development ( n = 2,727) and validation ( n = 2,423) group. Model fit was tested in the development sample and cross-validated in the second. Results showed the bifactor model, with two correlated residual pairs, provided the best fit in both samples. Reliability indicators supported well-defined constructs in the bifactor model, though Externalizing Risk and Adaptive Skills Risk subscales explained only marginal variance. Implications for improving these subscales and future practice are discussed.

Factor analysis · Factorial · Large sample · Psychometrics · Sample size determination · Test validity · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

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