Construct and criterion validity of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in children referred for neuropsychological assessment after paediatric traumatic brain injury

The construct and criterion validities of the parent version of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) were evaluated in a sample of 100 6- to 16-year-old children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Maximum-likelihood factor analysis identified two latent constructs that largely replicated the factor structure reported for the standardization sample, with the notable exception that the Inhibit scale covaried primarily with the metacognition factor and not with behavioural regulation factor. Only the former factor demonstrated evidence for sensitivity to the severity of TBI. Results on both factors were affected by a premorbid history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or other out-patient psychiatric treatment. It is concluded that the BRIEF has construct and criterion validity in the evaluation of children with TBI but that findings on this instrument can only be interpreted within the context of review of the child's premorbid history.