Abstract
This study validates the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire for children (SPSRQ-C), using a
Dutch sample of 1234 children between 6–13 years old. Factor analysis determined that a 4-factor and a 5-factor solution were
best fitting, explaining 41% and 50% of the variance respectively. The 4-factor model was highly similar to the original SPSRQ
factors found in adults (Punishment Sensitivity, Reward Responsivity, Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking, and Drive). The 5-factor model
was similar to the 4-factor model, with the exception of a subdivision of the Punishment Sensitivity factor into a factor
with ‘social-fear’ items and a factor with ‘anxiety’ items. To determine external validity, scores of three groups of children
with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were compared on the EFA models: ADHD-only (n = 34), ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ADHD+ASD; n = 22), ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ADHD+ODD; n = 22). All ADHD groups scored higher than typical controls on Reward Responsivity and on the ‘anxiety’ factor (n = 75). The ADHD-only and ADHD+ODD group scored higher than other groups on Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking and Drive, while the ADHD+ASD
group scored higher on Punishment Sensitivity. The findings emphasize the value of the SPSRQ-C to quickly and reliably assess
a child’s sensitivity to reinforcement, with the aim to provide individually-tailored behavioral interventions that utilize
reward and reprimands.
Dutch sample of 1234 children between 6–13 years old. Factor analysis determined that a 4-factor and a 5-factor solution were
best fitting, explaining 41% and 50% of the variance respectively. The 4-factor model was highly similar to the original SPSRQ
factors found in adults (Punishment Sensitivity, Reward Responsivity, Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking, and Drive). The 5-factor model
was similar to the 4-factor model, with the exception of a subdivision of the Punishment Sensitivity factor into a factor
with ‘social-fear’ items and a factor with ‘anxiety’ items. To determine external validity, scores of three groups of children
with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were compared on the EFA models: ADHD-only (n = 34), ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ADHD+ASD; n = 22), ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ADHD+ODD; n = 22). All ADHD groups scored higher than typical controls on Reward Responsivity and on the ‘anxiety’ factor (n = 75). The ADHD-only and ADHD+ODD group scored higher than other groups on Impulsivity/Fun-Seeking and Drive, while the ADHD+ASD
group scored higher on Punishment Sensitivity. The findings emphasize the value of the SPSRQ-C to quickly and reliably assess
a child’s sensitivity to reinforcement, with the aim to provide individually-tailored behavioral interventions that utilize
reward and reprimands.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-011-9547-x
- Authors
- Marjolein Luman, Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Catharina S. van Meel, Institute for Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Jaap Oosterlaan, Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Hilde M. Geurts, Department of Psychonomics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627