Structural validity of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for preschoolers with neurogenetic syndromes

Psychologists routinely use the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½-5 (CBCL) to assess challenging behaviors of preschoolers with developmental disabilities. However, the CBCL has not been thoroughly validated in neurogenetic syndromes (NGS).

We investigated the structural validity of the CBCL in NGS.

Based on 152 preschoolers with Angelman, fragile X, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes, we employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of CBCL narrowband, broadband, and DSM-oriented scales.

CFA models largely supported the unidimensionality of most narrowband scales and the two-factor structure of internalizing and externalizing broadband scales. However, there was limited evidence for the unidimensionality of most DSM-oriented scales.

Psychologists may consider using the CBCL as a psychometrically sound narrowband and broadband measure of challenging behaviors but should exercise caution when interpreting DSM-oriented scales for preschoolers with NGS. Our findings underscore a continued need to enhance assessment measures for identifying early precursors of child psychopathology in pediatric populations with atypical developmental trajectories.