Predictive validity of a student self-report screener of behavioral and emotional risk in an urban high school
Abstract
Increasingly, schools are implementing school-based screening for risk of behavioral and emotional problems; hence, foundational evidence supporting the predictive validity of screening instruments is important to assess. This study examined the predictive validity of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Student Form (BESS Student) in the authentic context of an urban high school that conducted universal screening over 3 years. Multivariate regression, sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to examine the BESS Student scores' prediction of internalizing symptoms. BESS Student scores were able to explain a significant proportion of the variance in internalizing symptoms concurrently, but predictive validity estimates decreased over time. Significant gender differences were present; BESS Student scores were better able to predict internalizing symptoms for females. Implications for research and practice involving screening for behavioral and emotional problems are discussed.
Publication Title
School Psychology Review
Recommended Citation
Dowdy, E., Harrell-Williams, L., Dever, B., Furlong, M., Moore, S., Raines, T., & Kamphaus, R. (2016). Predictive validity of a student self-report screener of behavioral and emotional risk in an urban high school. School Psychology Review, 45 (4), 458-476. https://doi.org/10.17105/SPR45-4.458-476
