Factor analysis and norms for parent ratings on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community for young people in special education

Abstract

The parents of 601 children and adolescents, responding to a mail survey, rated their children on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C). Factor analysis of ABC-C ratings revealed a factor structure that was similar to the original ABC but without the fifth factor (Inappropriate Speech). Coefficients of congruence were moderate to large for the four-factor model, and alpha coefficients were moderate to high when the original item assignment was imposed. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a modest level of fit with the traditional method of scoring the ABC and acceptable fit when the items were coded for occurrence (0 or 1). Analysis of subject variables revealed main effects for gender on one subscale (Hyperactivity), main effects for age on two subscales (Irritability; Hyperactivity), and one main effect for classroom assignment on the Stereotypic Behavior subscale. Normative data for parent ratings were presented by age and gender combined, gender alone, and age alone. With some qualifications, the ABC-C appears to be valid for assessing children in special educational settings, although further research is needed on the ABC’s factor structure in this population.