Parent and child discrepancies in reporting severity of problem behaviors in three out-of-home settings

This study compared scores on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) for samples of youths in 3 out-of-home placements with v arying levels of restrictiveness. Mean CBCL T scores were more than a stand ard deviation higher than mean YSR T scores on the broadband scales and abo ut 2/3 of a standard deviation higher on the syndrome scales. The magnitude of the discrepancy varied between placements for several scales, with the least restrictive placements having the largest difference between CBCL and YSR ratings for the Externalizing scale. For the Internalizing scale, the discrepancy was larger for older youths (ages 15-18) than for younger youth s (ages 11-14) These results support previous findings that in clinical sam ples, adults rate children's behavioral and emotional problems as more seve re than do children themselves. This study extends prior research by demons trating the occurrence of this discrepancy across a continuum of care.