Abstract
This study examined multiple determinants of discrepancies between mother and child reports of problem behavior. In 5,414 6-year-olds, child problem behavior was assessed by self-report using the Berkeley Puppet Interview and by maternal report using the Child Behavior Checklist. Patterns in mother–child reports were modeled using latent profile analysis. Four profiles, differing in problem level, and the direction and magnitude of mother–child discrepancies, were identified: one profile representing agreement (46 %), another representing slight discrepancies (30 %), and two representing higher problem levels and more discrepancies. In the latter two profiles either children (11 %) or mothers (13 %) reported more problems. Compared to the first profile, the second was predominantly characterized by a positive family environment, the third by child cognitive difficulties, and the fourth by harsh discipline and poor family functioning. Knowledge about specific child/family characteristics that contribute to mother–child discrepancies can help to interpret informants’ reports and to make diagnostic decisions.
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Acknowledgments
The Generation R Study is conducted by the Erasmus Medical Center in collaboration with the Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Law and Faculty of Social Sciences; the Municipal Health Service Rotterdam area; the Rotterdam Homecare Foundation; and the Stichting Trombosedienst & Artsenlaboratorium Rijnmond (STAR), Rotterdam. We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of general practitioners, hospitals, midwives and pharmacies in Rotterdam. The present study was performed in close collaboration with the department of child and adolescent psychiatry of Riagg Rijnmond. The first phase of the Generation R Study was made possible by financial support from: Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam and the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). The work of Professor Tiemeier is supported by NWO-ZonMW VIDI (Grant No. 017.106.370).
Conflict of interest
Frank. C. Verhulst is a contributing author of the Achenbach System of Empirically based assessment, from which he receives remuneration. The remaining authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
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Ringoot, A.P., van der Ende, J., Jansen, P.W. et al. Why Mothers and Young Children Agree or Disagree in Their Reports of the Child’s Problem Behavior. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 46, 913–927 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-014-0531-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-014-0531-x