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Child behavior profile types in a general population sample of boys 6 to 11 years old

J McArdle1, R E Mattison

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033.

Insights

This study examined Child Behavior Profile (CBP) types in 202 boys, finding nearly 40% exhibited internalizing or externalizing behaviors. Externalizing CBP boys showed significant psychopathology at home and school.

Area of Science:

  • Child psychology
  • Behavioral science
  • Clinical psychology

Background:

  • Child Behavior Profile (CBP) types are established classifications for childhood behavioral patterns.
  • Understanding CBP type prevalence in general populations is crucial for early identification and intervention.
  • Previous research primarily focused on clinical or outpatient samples.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Child Behavior Profile (CBP) types in a general population sample of boys aged 6-11 years.
  • To assess the prevalence of internalizing and externalizing CBP types and specific subtypes.
  • To evaluate the clinical utility of CBP types in identifying children requiring further evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • A general population sample of 202 boys (aged 6-11 years) was recruited.
  • Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
  • Teachers completed the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) concurrently.

Main Results:

  • 39.7% of boys were classified into a CBP type: 28.8% Internalizing, 10.9% Externalizing.
  • Somatic Complaints was the most common specific CBP type.
  • Externalizing CBP boys exhibited robust externalizing behaviors and severe psychopathology in both home and school settings.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the validity and clinical value of CBP types in a general population sample.
  • An intraclass correlation of .35 or greater can identify boys with psychopathology warranting clinical evaluation.
  • Results align with previous studies in outpatient samples, extending understanding of CBP types.

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