Validity of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior is used to assess behavioral issues.
• Its validity in institutionalized populations requires examination.
• Previous research supports the Reiss total score's validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the validity of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior subscales.
• To correlate Reiss subscale scores with other measures in an institutionalized population.

Main Methods:

• Correlational analysis was used.
• Reiss Screen subscale scores were compared with the Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults (PIMRA), Aberrant Behavior Checklist, psychiatric diagnoses, psychotropic medication, behavior therapy programs, and unit placement.

Main Results:

• The study broadly replicated previous findings on the Reiss total score's validity.
• Evidence supporting the validity of the Reiss subscales was limited.
• Potential limitations in the internal consistency of the Reiss or PIMRA subscales may have affected subscale validity.

Conclusions:

• The Reiss Screen's total score demonstrates validity in institutionalized populations.
• Further research is needed to confirm the validity of the Reiss Screen's subscales.
• Internal consistency of assessment tools may impact subscale validity findings.