Validation of alternative models of the EA-HOME inventory in Spanish adolescents

Abstract

Home Observation Measurement Environment inventory (HOME) is an instrument created by Bettye Caldwell and Robert Bradley which evaluates, using the observation and a semi-estructured interview, the quality of stimulation and support available during childhood and adolescence in the home environment. The aim of this study is to validate the adolescent version. Its psychometric properties are examined with data from a sample of 276 families, and of which 165 are users of Social Services. Confirmatory factor analyses indicate that the structure formed by three first-order factors (physics elements of environment, cognitive stimulation and learning experiences and socioaffective and emotional support) and one second-order factor presents best indicators of adjustment and internal consistency, after eliminated 7 of the 60 items of the original inventory. Additionally, scores of the alternative model are compared between families at psychosocial risk and normative families to evaluate criterion validity. Families at psychosocial risk get significantly worse scores than the other families. Thus, this version of the inventory shows adequate psychometric properties and it can be used as a valid screening instrument, although continuing with analyses to improve its adaptation to the Spanish cultural context is suggested.