Identifying Children at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Diagnostic Classification Model Approach

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Social Emotional and Behavioral Needs of Students and Educators (Table 1)

Abstract

Children’s behavior and emotional disorders can have a long-lasting impact, affecting children into adulthood. In this study, we used a well-validated scale - the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to investigate the profiles of five-dimensional behavioral and emotional problems for 639 elementary school children from a southern U.S. state. We utilized a diagnostic classification model (DCM) to classify children into a set of predetermined profiles. Results show DCM yielded a good model-data fit. A sample individual student report card was also provided as an example with corresponding user guidance. Applying DCM modeling in identifying children at risk for behavioral and emotional problems provides a new alternative to provide targeted support for children.

Authors

• Jin Liu, University of Texas - Arlington

• Yu Bao, James Madison University

• Christine DiStefano, University of South Carolina