Use of the child behavior checklist in detecting gender differences in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract

This study investigated the use of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in determining gender differences in girls and boys diagnosed with Attention-Deficit! Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHO). The CBCL is a measure that is completed by the child's parent or legal guardian and indicates problem areas in the child's life through descriptions of behaviors. Participants were 32 children, 16 boys and 16 girls, from a community mental health center who were identified with a sole diagnosis of ADHD. The researcher collected data from archival records at a mental health center. The eight syndrome scales and the Internalizing, Externalizing, and Social Competencies scales I-scores were recorded, as well as each child's age and race. Results indicated that the CBCL does not reveal gender differences in girls and boys with ADHD. The CBCL seems to follow Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (1994) criteria with an ADHD sample. Statistical issues and limitations are also discussed.