Beyond School Climate: Validating the School as a Protective Factor‐Brief Survey

Abstract

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe conceptual framework for School as a Protective Factor approach was presented in a companion article in this issue of the journal. The current article describes the validation of the School as a Protective Factor‐Brief (SPF‐Brief), a 13‐item survey measuring the 3 core constructs and 13 defining characteristics of this framework.METHODSThe SPF‐Brief was validated through 2 studies. The developmental study used a longitudinal design including 1349 participants who completed surveys over 5 semesters, while the validation study used a cross‐sectional design with 2775 participants. Both studies included middle and high school students. Factor analysis, growth model analysis, criterion‐related validation, and outcome analysis were employed.RESULTSAnalyses provided strong evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the instrument and conceptual framework. Higher SPF‐Brief scores were associated with higher math grades, English grades, and quality of life, as well as lower rates of anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, alcohol, e‐cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis use. Effect size estimates ranged from moderate to strong.CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest the utility of the SPF‐Brief instrument and the School as a Protective Factor framework. Together, they may offer advantages to the traditional school climate approach.