Skip to main content
Log in

Standardization of the behavioral and emotional rating scale: Factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity

  • Brief Report
  • Published:
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present study reports on the standardization of the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale and examines its factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity. Data on a national sample of children without disabilities (n=2,176) and children with emotional and behavioral disorders (n=861) were collected. Analysis of the data from the first sample identified five factors: interpersonal strengths, family involvement, intrapersonal strength, school functioning, and affective development. The factors appeared to be highly stable and reliable (.79 to .99). No statistically significant age or gender differences were noted, although females were rated higher on each factor and the overall score. The second sample was rated significantly lower than the first across the factors and total score. The article discusses future research issues and practical implications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  1. Salvia J, Ysseldyke J.Assessment. 7th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin; 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Achenbach TM.Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist/4–18 and 1991 Profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry; 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Hodges K.Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale. Ypsilanti, MI: Eastern Michigan University; 1989. Unpublished manuscript.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Quay HC, Peterson D.Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Coral Gables, FL: University of Miami, Department of Psychology; 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Reynolds C, Kamphaus R.Behavior Assessment System for Children. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Goodman R. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: a research note.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 1997;38:581–586.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Gresham FM, Elliott SN.The Social Skills Rating System. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance; 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Stroul BA, Friedman RM.A System of Care for Children and Youth with Severe Emotional Disturbances. Washington, DC: Georgetown University, CASSP Technical Assistance Center; 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  9. US Dept of Education.National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Washington, DC: Author; 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  10. VanDenBerg JE, Grealish EM. Individualized services and supports through the wraparound process: philosophy and procedures.Journal of Child and Family Studies. 1996;5:7–22.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Henggler SW, Schoenwald SK, Bourdin CM, et al.Multisystemic Treatment of Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Lourie IS, Katz-Leavy J, Stroul BA. Individualized services in a system of care. In: Stroul BA, ed.Children's Mental Health: Creating Systems of Care in a Changing Society. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes; 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Nelson CM, Pearson CA.Integrating Services for Children and Youth with Behavioral Disorders. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children; 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Saleeby D, ed.The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. New York: Longman; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Dunst CJ, Trivette CM, Deal AG, eds.Supporting and Strengthening Families: Methods, Strategies, and Practice. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books; 1994;1.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Epstein MH, Sharma J.Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale: A Strength-Based Approach to Assessment. Austin, TX: PRO-ED; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Epstein MH. The development and validation of a scale to assess the emotional and behavioral strengths of children and adolescents.Remedial and Special Education. 1999;20:258–262.

    Google Scholar 

  18. US Bureau of the Census.Statistical Abstract of the United States. Washington, DC: Author; 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Cronbach L. Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests.Psychometrika. 1951;16:297–334.

    Google Scholar 

  20. American Psychological Association.Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Washington, DC: Author; 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Achenbach TM, Howell CT, Quay HC, et al. National survey of problems and competencies among four- to sixteen-year olds: parents' reports for normative and clinical samples.Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development. 1991;56(3):1–131. Serial no. 37-976X.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Epstein MH, Harniss MK, Pearson N, et al. The Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale: test-retest and inter-rater reliability.Journal of Child and Family Studies. 1999;8:319–327.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Harniss MK, Epstein MH, Ryser G, et al. The Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale: convergent validity.Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. 1999;17:4–14.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Kauffman JM.Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Youth. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Achenbach TM, McConaughy SH, Howell CT. Child/adolescent behavioral and emotional problems: implications of cross-informant correlations for situational specificity.Psychological Bulletins. 1987;101:213–232.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Friedman KA, Leone PE, Friedman P. Strengths-based assessment of children with SED: consistency of reporting by teachers and parents.Journal of Child and Family Studies. 1999;8:169–180.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Rutter M. Psychosocial resilience and protective mechanisms.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. 1987;57:316–331.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Rutter M. Pathways from childhood to adult life.Journal of Childhood Psychology and Psychiatry. 1989;30:23–51.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael H. Epstein EdD.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Epstein, M.H., Ryser, G. & Pearson, N. Standardization of the behavioral and emotional rating scale: Factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 29, 208–216 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287707

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287707

Keywords

Navigation