DEVELOPMENT OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EMOTIONAL PERSPECTIVE TAKING TEST (EDAT): A VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a test that directly measures children's emotional perspective taking skills in early childhood. Emotional perspective-taking is a social skill that involves accurately predicting the emotions of others by distinguishing them from one's own emotions. The goal of measuring children's emotional perspective-taking skills is to better understand the field of social-emotional development and thus contribute to early childhood education. The research group comprised 146 children aged 5-6 who were enrolled in kindergartens and primary schools in Elazığ city centre during the 2020-2021 academic year. Data on test development were collected through face-to-face clinical interviews with the children. Expert opinions were consulted during the research process to ensure the scope and validity of the test. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), item-total correlation, and item analysis procedures. The Emotional Perspective Taking Test in Early Childhood (EDAT) was developed based on these procedures and consists of 13 items in two dimensions: 'Confused-Scared' and 'Happy-Sad', each with an accompanying picture. The research found that the Early Childhood Emotional Perspective Taking Test (EDAT) is a valid and reliable test for children aged 5-6 years.