Convergent Validity of the Strength-Based Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale with Youth in a Residential Setting

Authors

Kristin Duppong-Hurley, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Matthew C. Lambert, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Michael H. Epstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Amy Stevens, Father Flanagan's Boys Town

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2015 July ; 42(3): 346–354.

Comments

© National Council for Behavioral Health 2014; published by Springer. Used by permission.

Abstract

Strength-based assessment has been identified as an appropriate approach to use in planning treatment and evaluating outcomes of youth in residential settings. In previous research the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2, a standardized and norm-referenced strength-based measure, has demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with youth served in community and educational settings. The purpose of the present study was to examine the internal reliability and convergent validity of the BERS-2 by comparing the test to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS). The results indicate that the scores from the BERS-2 are internally consistent and converge with other behavioral and emotional measures which, taken together, suggest that the BERS-2 could be acceptable for assessing the emotional and behavioral strengths of youth in residential settings. Study limitations and future research directions are identified.