Utility of the Behavior Problem Checklist with preschool children

Determined the utility of the Behavior Problem Checklist with preschool children, a sample of 101 male and 103 female children initially rated on this scale. Ss ranged in age from 42 to 72 months and currently were enrolled in Maine Headstart programs. Sixty-six of these children also were assessed on a preschool rating system developed to assess hyperactivity and withdrawal. Results revealed that the conduct disorder and socialized delinquency dimensions correlated most highly with the hyperactivity scales, while the personality disorder and immaturity dimensions correlated most highly with the withdrawal dimensions. The BPC was found to be sensitive in differentiating clinical from nonclinical groups. These findings suggest that the Behavior Problem Checklist, although not specifically designed to assess preschool age children, may be effective with this population.