Development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist: Preliminary Reliability & Validity

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 ( 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.