Conners Comprehensive Behaviour Rating Scale

A psychological assessment tool for evaluating behavioral issues in children and adolescents

Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale

The Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) is a widely used psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate a broad range of behavioral, emotional, and academic issues in children and adolescents. It is often utilized by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to assist in the diagnosis and treatment planning for various mental health disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD).

ADHD symptoms in children

Development and Purpose

The Conners CBRS was developed by Dr. C. Keith Conners, a prominent figure in the field of child psychology, to provide a comprehensive assessment of behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years. The scale is designed to gather information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and the children themselves, to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the child's behavior across different settings.

Structure of the Scale

The Conners CBRS consists of several forms tailored to different respondents:

• Parent Form: Completed by the child's parent or guardian, this form assesses the child's behavior at home and in social settings.
• Teacher Form: Completed by the child's teacher, this form evaluates the child's behavior in the school environment.
• Self-Report Form: Completed by the child or adolescent, this form provides insight into the child's own perceptions of their behavior and emotions.

Each form contains a series of items rated on a Likert scale, which measures the frequency and severity of specific behaviors and symptoms.

Key Areas Assessed

The Conners CBRS evaluates a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues, including:

• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Symptoms related to excessive movement, restlessness, and impulsive actions.
• Inattention: Difficulties with sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.
• Oppositional Behavior: Defiant and oppositional behaviors towards authority figures.
• Emotional Distress: Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood instability.
• Social Problems: Difficulties in peer relationships and social interactions.
• Academic Difficulties: Challenges related to learning and academic performance.

Administration and Scoring

The Conners CBRS is typically administered in a clinical setting, but it can also be used in schools and other environments where a comprehensive assessment of a child's behavior is needed. The results are scored using standardized norms, which allow for comparison with a representative sample of children and adolescents.

Applications

The Conners CBRS is used for various purposes, including:

• Diagnostic Assessment: Assisting in the diagnosis of ADHD, ODD, CD, and other behavioral disorders.
• Treatment Planning: Informing the development of individualized treatment plans and interventions.
• Progress Monitoring: Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions over time.

Parent training in behavior therapy for ADHD

Limitations

While the Conners CBRS is a valuable tool, it is important to use it as part of a comprehensive assessment process. It should not be used in isolation to make a diagnosis, as it relies on subjective reports and may be influenced by the respondent's perceptions and biases.

Related Pages

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Psychological Assessment