Date Presented 03/23/24
The Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C) was developed to assess social-emotional challenges in children with sensory integration and processing differences. This study evaluated the scale's preliminary reliability and validity.
Primary Author and Speaker: Michele Parkins
Additional Authors and Speakers: AnnMarie Murphy, Sarah A. Schoen
PURPOSE: Mental health and sensory integration/processing difficulties often co-occur (Harrison, et al., 2021). The Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C) is newly developed parent-report measure to assess social emotional challenges in children whose sensory integration/processing differences impact daily life. This study examines preliminary validity and reliability of the SEE-C for use in clinical practice.
DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was conducted of data collected at a pediatric clinic.
METHOD: Data were collected from 75 charts of clients being evaluated for sensory integration and processing differences using the SEE-C and the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Checklist (SP3D-C; Schoen et al., 2016). Factor analysis was used to explore the construct validity followed by internal consistency reliability of factor groupings. Correlational analyses were computed among factors within the SEE-C as well as between the SEE-C and SP3D-C.
RESULTS: Factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution that explained the proposed structure of the SEE-C. Internal reliability for SEE-C factors ranged from .8 to .64. Correlations were weak within the SEE-C (.27to .39), but significant between factors of the SEE-C and the SP3D-C subscales (.46 to .55).
CONCLUSION: Evidence supports preliminary reliability and validity of the SEE-C. Correlations with sensory subtypes suggest inclusion of the SEE-C in a comprehensive evaluation of children with sensory integration/processing challenges. Given the increased prevalence of mental health issues in children (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html), it is suggested that both sensory and social emotional characteristics be assessed and targeted in intervention.
IMPACT STATEMENT: This scale provides opportunities for Occupational Therapists to be part of a therapeutic team for social emotional challenges in children who may otherwise have been solely treated behaviorally or psychotherapeutically.
References
Harrison, L. A., Kats, A., Williams, M. E., & Aziz-Zadeh, L. (2019). The importance of sensory processing in mental health: A proposed addition to the research domain criteria and suggestions for RDoC 2.0. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(103), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/psyg.2019.00103.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). Data and statistics on children’s mental health. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
Schoen, SA, Miller, LJ, Sullivan, J. (2016). The development and psychometric properties of the Sensory Processing Scale Inventory: A report measure of sensory modulation. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 42, 12-21. https://doi.org/10.3109/3558250.2016.1195490
