The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the brief infant–toddler social emotional assessment (BITSEA)

Abstract

In this study the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the brief infant–toddler social emotional assessment (BITSEA) were investigated in a community sample. The sample consisted of 462 children (mean age: 24.60 ± 7.93 [12–42] months) who had applied to Turkish health centers for immunization. Both parents completed the BITSEA; mothers completed the child behavior checklist 2/3 (CBCL). Internal consistencies of the BITSEA–problem (P) and competence (C) scales were good to excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.82 and 0.72, respectively). Interrater reliability between parents and test–retest reliability were good. BITSEA/P scores were significantly correlated with CBCL internalizing, externalizing and total problem scores ( p < 0.001). Maternal BITSEA/P cutpoint scores revealed that 30.6% of male toddlers and 28.6% of females were in the subclinical range and 13.1% of males and 17.6% of females were in clinical range. Results reveal that the Turkish version of BITSEA is a reliable, valid and simply applicable instrument for screening social, emotional and behavioral problems among toddlers. Clinical validation of the BITSEA/C and BITSEA/P is warranted.