A Checklist for Child Behavior Delinquency Questions

The Child Behavior Checklist originated in 1991 by Dr. Thomas Achenbach. The questionnaire is completed by a parent, teacher or other individual who knows the child well. Achenbach's checklist revolutionized the field of child and adolescent psychopathology by offering an alternative way of approaching and understanding behavioral problems. Expanding the field from just two categories of childhood disorders, Achenbach's system helps adults understand a variety of childhood behavior problems.

Test Organization

• The Childhood Behavior Checklist consists of two parts. The first is a 20 question competency exam rating the child's overall adjustment to the world around him. The second part of the exam covers 120 items on behavior and emotional problems in the past six months. The questions ask that an adult who knows the child well rate the child's behavior problems on a scale. The test can either be administered through interview or taken independently. Two versions of this same test exist for children ages 1 and a half to 5 and for ages 6 to 18. In addition, Teacher Report Forms, Youth Self-Report Forms and Direct Observation Forms are available as an addendum to the questionnaire.

Emotional Aspects

• Rather than limiting the child behavior diagnoses to adjustment reactions and schizophrenic reaction, Achenbach expanded diagnoses to include attention problems, delinquency, social interaction problems, depression, anxiety, somatic problems, aggression or withdrawal from society. In addition, Achenbach's test differentiates between internalized behavioral issues, such as feelings of anxiousness, acting depressive and being over-controlling, and externalized behavioral issues, such as being aggressive, hyperactive or non-compliant. The test is scored by a professional examiner on a scale of 30 to 100. A score of 70 or higher may indicate the need for professional help.

Competency

• The first twenty questions of the exam are concerned with the the child's overall competency. This includes his or her ability to perform chores, do homework, participate in group activities like games, club membership and school organizations. This section of the exam scores on a range between 10 and 80. Lower scores indicate a possible need for professional help.