Factor structure and norms for the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist in New Zealand children

Abstract

The Revised Behavior Problem Checklist (RBPC) is a recent expansion of the widely used Behavior Problem Checklist. This study attempted to replicate the factor structure of the RBPC, originally developed for U.S.A. children, and to establish norms for its use with New Zealand children. Two groups of children, aged five to 13 years, were rated on the scale by their parents. One was a clinic sample and comprised 266 patients attending two psychiatric clinics. The second was a random community sample of 267 children, from four census tracts in Auckland, selected to cover a range of socioeconomic strata representative of New Zealand. Factor analysis of the clinic data resulted in a factor structure similar to that found in American children. Only two of the six factors (Socialised Aggression and Psychotic Behaviour) differed to any degree. Using ratings from the community sample, norms were developed for screening and diagnostic purposes.