title: Hierarchical models of social competence in preschool children: a multisite, multinational study.
abstract: The generality of a multilevel factorial model of social competence (SC) for preschool children was tested in a 5-group, multinational sample (N = 1,540) using confirmatory factor analysis. The model fits the observed data well, and tests constraining paths for measured variables to their respective first-order factors across samples also fit well. Equivalence of measurement models was found at sample and sex within-sample levels but not for age within sample. In 2 groups, teachers' ratings were examined as correlates of SC indicators. Composites of SC indicators were significantly associated with both positive and negative child attributes from the teachers' ratings. The findings contribute to understanding of both methodological and substantive issues concerning SC in young children.
authors.affiliation: Human Development and Family Studies, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. vaughbe@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Vaughn
authors.forename: Nana
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Mina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Krzysik
authors.forename: António J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Inês
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Peceguina
authors.forename: João R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Veríssimo
authors.forename: Anthon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Devries
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elphick
authors.forename: Xiomara
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ballentina
authors.forename: Kelly K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Bost
authors.forename: Wanda Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Newell
authors.forename: Ellaine B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blake Snider
authors.forename: Byran
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Korth
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009426:Netherlands; D009427:Netherlands Antilles; D010379:Peer Group; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011779:Q-Sort; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012928:Social Desirability; D012931:Social Environment; D012951:Socialization; D012963:Sociometric Techniques