Behavior Rating Scales

Behavior Rating Scales

These are typically checklists completed by parents, teachers, or the individual to assess observable behaviors, often in children and adolescents.

Conners 4

• Purpose: Evaluates ADHD symptoms and related behavioral issues.

• Age Range: 6 to 18 years.

• Format: Parent, teacher, and self-report forms; items rated on frequency.

• Measures:

  • Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

  • Learning problems, executive functioning

  • Oppositional and defiant behaviors

• Notes: Updated version of the Conners scale; supports ADHD diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

• Purpose: Broad assessment of emotional and behavioral problems in children.

• Age Range: 1.5–5 years and 6–18 years (two versions).

• Format: Parent or caregiver checklist; teacher and self-report versions available.

• Measures:

  • Internalizing problems (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints)

  • Externalizing problems (aggression, rule-breaking)

  • Social, thought, and attention problems

• Notes: Part of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA).

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale

• Purpose: Screens for ADHD and common comorbid conditions.

• Age Range: 6 to 12 years.

• Format: Parent and teacher forms; items rated on a 4-point scale.

• Measures:

  • ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity–impulsivity)

  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms

  • Conduct disorder (CD) symptoms

  • Anxiety and depression indicators

• Notes: Often used in school and pediatric settings.

Behavior Assessment System for Children – 3rd Edition (BASC-3)

• Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of behavior and emotions.

• Age Range: 2–21 years.

• Format: Parent, teacher, and self-report forms.

• Measures:

  • Externalizing problems (hyperactivity, aggression, conduct problems)

  • Internalizing problems (anxiety, depression, somatization)

  • Adaptive skills (social skills, leadership, adaptability)

• Notes: Useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses in behavioral and emotional functioning.

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

• Purpose: Brief screening tool for behavioral and emotional problems.

• Age Range: 2–17 years.

• Format: Parent, teacher, and self-report versions; 25 items.

• Measures:

  • Emotional symptoms

  • Conduct problems

  • Hyperactivity/inattention

  • Peer relationship problems

  • Prosocial behavior

• Notes: Short and practical; used worldwide in schools and clinics.