Behavior checklists are often initially introduced to monitor behaviors by caregivers and therapists. After, they are used as a self-management system as an individual becomes ready to independently self-monitor their own behaviors.
Behavior rating scales are often used as screening devices to obtain information on and help to identify individuals who may benefit from a more detailed assessment or who may be at risk for developing more serious problem and who may benefit from early interventions.
Response format 3-point Likert scale (0 = “Absent”, 1 = “Occurs sometimes”, 2 = “Occurs often”). Strengths: The CBCL is a valid and reliable measure which is sensitive to change in short interventions.
Ing to the normative data of the CBCL, a t-score ≤ 59 indicates non-clinical symptoms, a t-score between 60 and 64 indicates that the child is at risk for problem behaviors, and a t-score ≥ 65 indicates clinical symptoms (for demographical, cognitive, and psychopathological measures of participants, see Table 1).
The CBCL provides information on six scales: affective problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety, oppositional defiance, somatic problems, and conduct problems. An additional version is available for parents or caregivers of children aged 1.5–5 years.
The Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) is a tool that can be used to assess behavioral and emotional problems in children. The ASEBA-PC is a computer-based version of the ASEBA that includes the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for children ages 1.5–5.
The CBCL measures factors such as depression, somatic complaints, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, sexual behavior, anxiety, and delinquent behavior.