The Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Behavior Problems Inventory: convergent and divergent validity

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Disabilities

Background:

• Assessing maladaptive behavior in individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial.
• The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI) are common rating instruments.
• Understanding their comparative validity is essential for accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and cross-validate the ABC and BPI for assessing maladaptive behavior.
• To evaluate the differential diagnostic value of each instrument.
• To determine the extent of overlap and divergence between the ABC and BPI subscales.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 226 adults with severe to profound mental retardation.
• Comparative analysis using correlational and multiple regression techniques.
• Assessment of diagnostic utility including positive/negative predictive power, sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic efficiency.

Main Results:

• Individuals with elevated BPI scores generally had higher ABC scores, with varying covariation across subscales.
• BPI subscales selectively predicted ABC subscale scores.
• Partial overlap was confirmed, with BPI showing stronger positive predictive power for SIB and Stereotypy, while ABC demonstrated higher negative predictive power and overall diagnostic efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The ABC and BPI partially cross-validate each other, confirming their utility in assessing maladaptive behaviors.
• Each instrument possesses unique strengths, particularly in diagnostic prediction, suggesting complementary roles in clinical practice.
• Divergence in specific subscales highlights their differential sensitivity and applicability for particular behavioral domains.