Psychometric Properties of the Social Emotional Health Survey--Primary: A Strengths-Based Assessment of Student Covitality
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| Title: | Psychometric Properties of the Social Emotional Health Survey--Primary: A Strengths-Based Assessment of Student Covitality |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kaitlynn M. Carter (ORCID |
| Source: | Assessment for Effective Intervention. 2026 51(2):59-66. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Institute of Education Sciences (ED) |
| Contract Number: | R324A210179 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education |
| Descriptors: | Screening Tests, Psychological Patterns, Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning, Psychometrics, Ability, Self Esteem, Self Concept, Rating Scales, Factor Analysis, Elementary School Students |
| DOI: | 10.1177/15345084251398540 |
| ISSN: | 1534-5084 1938-7458 |
| Abstract: | Strengths-based assessment (SBA) focuses on traits and resources that foster resilience, as opposed to the symptoms and impairments that are the focus of traditional deficit-based assessment. In schools, SBA can provide an effective framework for social, emotional, behavioral, and academic intervention. The Social Emotional Health Survey (SEHS) system is a set of SBAs that assess the synergistic effects of multiple psychological strengths (i.e., covitality), though more research is needed. This study examined the measurement invariance of the Social Emotional Health Survey--Primary (SEHS-P) for elementary school-age children, across four subscales (Gratitude, Zest, Optimism, and Persistence), as well as the higher order construct of covitality, using multiple-group categorical confirmatory factor analysis. We analyzed responses from 1,030 students across 16 elementary schools in two southern U.S. states, comparing results by state, grade (fourth, fifth), gender, and race (Black, White). The results suggest configural, weak, strong, and latent means invariance across all comparisons. Covitality was confirmed as a higher order construct, with configural and weak invariance holding across all comparisons. These results suggest the SEHS-P is a reliable tool for assessing psychological strengths and covitality in diverse elementary student populations, supporting its generalizability and value in promoting student well-being and informing school-based interventions. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| IES Funded: | Yes |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496426 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Strengths-based assessment (SBA) focuses on traits and resources that foster resilience, as opposed to the symptoms and impairments that are the focus of traditional deficit-based assessment. In schools, SBA can provide an effective framework for social, emotional, behavioral, and academic intervention. The Social Emotional Health Survey (SEHS) system is a set of SBAs that assess the synergistic effects of multiple psychological strengths (i.e., covitality), though more research is needed. This study examined the measurement invariance of the Social Emotional Health Survey--Primary (SEHS-P) for elementary school-age children, across four subscales (Gratitude, Zest, Optimism, and Persistence), as well as the higher order construct of covitality, using multiple-group categorical confirmatory factor analysis. We analyzed responses from 1,030 students across 16 elementary schools in two southern U.S. states, comparing results by state, grade (fourth, fifth), gender, and race (Black, White). The results suggest configural, weak, strong, and latent means invariance across all comparisons. Covitality was confirmed as a higher order construct, with configural and weak invariance holding across all comparisons. These results suggest the SEHS-P is a reliable tool for assessing psychological strengths and covitality in diverse elementary student populations, supporting its generalizability and value in promoting student well-being and informing school-based interventions. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1534-5084 1938-7458 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/15345084251398540 |
