The classmates social isolation questionnaire (CSIQ): An initial validation

Social Isolation means having a lack of social contacts. This study reports a first validation of a brief self-report measure, the Classmates Social Isolation Questionnaire (CSIQ). The CSIQ is a questionnaire for children which assesses social isolation from classmates within the classroom as well as outside school. Data was based on a nationally representative sample of 26,670 Italian fifth grade students. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses the bidimensional structure of the scale was established. The CSIQ showed measurement invariance both across gender and across groups with different immigrant backgrounds. Various tests of criterion validity had positive results and the CSIQ appears to be a valid and time-efficient instrument that can make a contribution to the study of social isolation and correlated factors.