Identifying gravitational insecurity in children: a pilot study.

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.