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image of Psychometric Evaluation of the Spanish Version of the 5-item Reflective Functioning Questionnaire for Youth

Abstract

Introduction

Given the growing interest in research examining reflective functioning (RF) in youth, there is a significant need for valid measures of RF in adolescents. The 5-item Reflective Functioning Questionnaire for Youth (RFQY-5) is a promising measure that can help fill this gap. However, studies have yet to evaluate the performance of the Spanish translation of the RFQY-5 or how the history of parental neglect may impact RF in adolescents. The first aim of this study was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Spanish RFQY-5. The second aim was to examine differences in RF between adolescents affected by parental neglect and adolescents from the community.

Methods

The study employed convenience sampling to recruit 570 adolescents (11-18 years), of whom 168 were receiving psychosocial support due to a history of parental neglect. The remaining 402 adolescents were from regional schools. Participants completed the RFQY-5 and three RF-related measures.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a unidimensional structure. Measurement invariance was demonstrated across age and gender, and results indicated acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. No significant differences in RF were found between groups. However, age-related differences emerged, with late adolescents who had a history of parental neglect demonstrating poorer RF.

Discussion

The measure demonstrated sound psychometric properties and a unidimensional structure while RF was not found to be negatively impacted by parental neglect until late adolescence.

Conclusion

The Spanish RFQY-5 appears to be a valid measure for use in Spanish-speaking adolescents. Future research should examine age-related moderation of RFQY-5 identification of youth with RF challenges.

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2026-01-30

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Psychometric Evaluation of the Spanish Version of the 5-item Reflective Functioning Questionnaire for Youth
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0122106766399314251103061829
/content/journals/aps/10.2174/0122106766399314251103061829
/content/journals/aps/10.2174/0122106766399314251103061829
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: questionnaire for youth ; Reflective functioning ; child maltreatment ; adolescents ; parental neglect ; youth

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