Identifying Gravitational Insecurity in Children: A Pilot Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study developed an observational assessment of gravitational insecurity (GI), the GI Assessment, and examined its preliminary reliability and validity evidence. METHOD: The GI Assessment consisted of 15 activities that created conditions characterized as fear-inducing for children with gravitational insecurity. Three behavioral categories-avoidance, emotional, and postural responses--were scored for each activity. Participants were 18 children with gravitational insecurity, ages 5-10 years, and a matched group of children who were typically developing. Forty-eight preschoolers who were typically developing, ages 2-4 years, were examined for developmental trends. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups. Discriminant analysis classified 83% of the gravitationally insecure group and 100% of the typical group. Interrater reliability for the total test was .79. Performance of preschool children suggested a developmental age trend. CONCLUSION: The GI Assessment is a promising clinical tool for objectively identifying children with gravitational insecurity.

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