Using the CBCL to Assess Depression in Children

Using the CBCL to Assess Depression in Children Depression Childhood Depression Print Using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to Assess Depression By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids skynesher / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand What It Measures Who Uses the Test What to Expect Results How to Prepare View All The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a common tool for assessing depression in children, as well as other emotional and behavioral problems. The CBCL is one of the most widely used measures for assessing emotional and maladaptive behaviors in children. It is used in a variety of settings such as pediatricians offices, schools, mental health facilities, private practices, hospitals, and research. What the CBCL Measures The CBCL is used to assess a wide variety of behaviors and emotions in children, including depression. Its particularly useful when it is unclear what might be causing a childs problem behaviors or symptoms. Psychologist Thomas M. Achenbach, Ph.D. developed the CBCL in 1966. He studied common problematic behaviors in children and used his findings to create a questionnaire that describes and detects those behaviors. These behaviors are meant to be easily identifiable by parents, caregivers, teachers, and others. The questions are grouped into eight categories, or subscales, which focus on different aspects of behavior: Social withdrawal (e.g., not wanting to play with friends anymore)Somatic complaints (e.g., unexplained stomachaches)Anxiety/depressionSocial problemsThought problemsAttention problemsDelinquent behaviorAggressive behavior There are also two broad scales made up of these syndrome scales. The internalizing behaviors scale includes the anxious/depressive, social withdrawal, and somatic complaints scores. The externalizing behaviors scale includes the delinquent behavior, social behavior, and social problems scores. Who Uses the Test The CBCL is used by parents, or other primary caregivers, to report a childs behaviors. There are two additional related versions of the test for the child and their teacher to complete: the Youth Self-Report Form (YSF) and the Teacher Report Form (TRF). The TRF is especially useful when the concern is stemming from classroom behavior. Only one form of the test is required for scoring, but completion of all three test versions allows for different perspectives and cross-referencing. There are two versions of the CBCL: one for preschoolers, and one for children ages 4 to 18. What to Expect The CBCL is a paper and pencil test, which the test-taker completes independently. If there are concerns about reading level or comprehension, the test can be administered by an interviewer. There are over 100 items on this test, so it may take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete. For each question, the test-taker must select the answer that best describes the frequency of the behavior. Additionally, there are several items in which an explanation of the behavior is required. Once the test is complete, the person administering it may quickly review it to make sure all of the questions were answered. Results A trained professional needs to interpret the results. The raw test score on its own is essentially meaningless. The mental health counselor who interprets the results should review and discuss their findings. All of the versions of the CBCL have been studied to ensure that it is a valid and reliable measure of a childs behaviors and emotions. How to Prepare Generally, there is no preparation needed for the test. However, if you know that you will be taking the parent version of the test, you may want to think about the specific behaviors in your child that are of concern to you. Be sure to answer honestly. Indicating that your child may have some negative behaviors or feelings does not mean that you did anything to cause them. Getting an accurate diagnosis for your child is extremely important for their treatment and recovery. If your child will be taking the exam themselves, you can explain to them that there are no right or wrong answers  and that they will not be graded on this test. A child may worry about how the results will affect them and their family. Encourage them to be as honest as possible and be sure to reiterate that they will not get in trouble for any of their answers. You may consider rewarding or praising your child for completing the test, as it takes a lot of courage, especially for a child, to answer questions honestly about their feelings. A Word From Verywell If your child is depressed, or you are concerned about any of their behaviors or feelings, speak to your childs pediatrician or another healthcare provider. They can accurately diagnose their symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment. How to Spot Depression in a Child