Validation of the Family Fear of Deportation Scale for youth

Objective This study reports on the psychometric properties of a new instrument to assess family fear of deportation in two versions (binary and polytomous response options). Background The impact of fear of deportation extends beyond foreign‐born youth to U.S. citizen children in families with unauthorized members, and negatively affects their academic achievement and their physical, mental, and behavioral health. A measure assessing levels of fear of deportation among youth is lacking. Methods Participants were first‐ and second‐generation Latino immigrant youth (N = 145 in Study 1 and N = 107 in Study 2). Item response theory (IRT), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and reliability tests were used to assess the scale's psychometric properties. Results The results supported a five‐item binary version and a six‐item polytomous version of the scale. Both demonstrated excellent model fit, good reliability, and criterion validity. Conclusions The six‐item polytomous version is slightly more parsimonious than the five‐item binary version scale, has better internal consistency, and captures a modestly wider range of the construct. The binary version may be preferable for immigrant youth who prefer straightforward response options. Implications Researchers and practitioners can use either version of the Family Fear of Deportation Scale with confidence to assess deportation‐related fear among Latino immigrant youth.