Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Analysis and Validity of the Family Needs Screener

Abstract

Assessment that accurately categorizes families’ risk for family violence (i.e., intimate partner violence and child maltreatment) and identifies areas of family need is essential for prevention program planning, practice, and resource allocation. The Family Needs Screener (FNS) assesses risk for intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. It is used as a tool to prioritize those who are in the greatest need of services as well as plan prevention efforts in selected prevention services offered to military families. To date, no peer-reviewed studies examine the factor structure of the FNS. In this study, we examined measurement aspects of the FNS as an assessment tool in identifying risk of family violence. Data were drawn from Army families ( N = 18,159) who were screened between 2009 and 2013 and matched to substantiated cases of family violence. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to examine the factor structure, measurement invariance, and predictive validity of the FNS. Results supported a shortened measure with a five-factor structure and full gender invariance. In particular, relationship issues were predictive of both intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. In addition, family of origin/history of family violence was predictive of substantiated cases of child maltreatment. Findings support the use of the FNS to assess risk, allocate, and plan for services in an Army population. Implications for scale modifications and use, as well as prevention efforts, are discussed.

Factors Predicting Family Violence Revictimization Among Army Families With Child Maltreatment

“…Other studies with military families have found similar family risk factors for child maltreatment. For example, relationship issues with a partner and intimate partner violence predict child maltreatment in Army families (Kaye et al, 2019). For mothers in military families, child maltreatment risk factors included family conflict, low family cohesion, and marital adjustment (Schaeffer et al, 2005).…”

“…In addition, military families who live in geographically isolated areas (where many military installations are located) and those who live in private housing (as opposed to on installations) are more likely to report feeling socially isolated and disconnected (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019; U.S. Department of Defense, 2017b; Willerton et al, 2011). This is problematic as feelings of isolation predict child maltreatment in Army families (Kaye et al, 2019).…”

“…For example, one risk factor is the perpetrator having been maltreated as a child. Army parents who were maltreated as children are more likely to abuse their own children (Kaye et al, 2019), and a history of parents’ exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including child maltreatment is a risk factor more commonly found among those in the military (Blosnich et al, 2014; Katon et al, 2015; Koola et al, 2013). Unfortunately, these parents are typically more likely to continue to abuse their children even after receiving intervention from authorities (Hindley et al, 2006).…”

“…Combat deployments have also been associated with increased rates of interpersonal conflict (Milliken et al, 2007), impaired parenting (Gewirtz & Davis, 2014), and child maltreatment (Gibbs et al, 2007; McCarroll et al, 2008; Rentz et al, 2007). Relationship issues with a partner predicted both child maltreatment and intimate partner violence in Army families (Kaye et al, 2019). The prevalence of intimate partner violence in military families is higher than that of civilian families (Rentz et al, 2006), and the pervasiveness of this circumstance also puts children at risk for maltreatment.…”

“…Department of Defense, 2017b; Willerton et al, 2011). This is problematic as feelings of isolation predict child maltreatment in Army families (Kaye et al, 2019).…”