STANDARDIZATION OF THE JAPANESE VERSION OF THE CHILD BEHAVIOR CHECKLIST/ 6-18

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to standardize the Japanese version of the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 based on standardization protocol used for the original version by ASEBA (Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment).

Method: We divided 3,601 participants into four groups based on gender and age: 924 boys (6 to 11years), 849 boys (12 to 18 years), 880 girls (6 to 11 years) and 948 girls (12 to 18 years). Reliability and validity of the scales were checked with Cronbach' alpha, inter-correlations and criterion-related validities with the high-functioning Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) as follows: T scores were calculated from raw scores for all scales: anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, somatic complaints, thought problems, social problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, aggressive behavior, Internalizing, Externalizing and Total problems. Multiple regression analyses of the eight syndrome scales were conducted to check for effects of gender and age groups.

Result and Conclusion: Results showed high Cronbach' alpha and inter-correlations for all scales. Additionally, criterion-related validities were confirmed by positive significant correlation with the ASSQ. Multiple regression showed prevalence of ‘attention problems’ and ‘rule-breaking behavior’ in the ‘boys’, and ‘anxious/depressed’ and ‘somatic complaints’ in the ‘girls’. Furthermore, ‘younger children’ displayed many syndrome problems, including ‘anxious/depressed’, ‘social problems’, ‘thought problems’, ‘attention problems’, ‘rule-breaking behavior’ and ‘aggressive behavior’, whereas ‘older children’ tended to exhibit problems falling in the ‘withdrawn/depressed’ category of the syndrome scales.