Brief Description

Preschool Behavior Questionnaire [PBQ-39]

Description

The Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ-39) is an assessment instrument based on the Rutter Behavior Questionnaire (1967) and further developed by L. Behar in 1977. It is designed to assess emotional and behavioral problems in preschool-aged children and to identify early indications of potential psychological or behavioral difficulties. According to the available source document, the questionnaire contains 36 items, despite the PBQ-39 designation in the document title.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the PBQ is to provide a structured assessment of emotional and behavioral difficulties during the preschool years. The instrument is particularly sensitive to changes in children’s behavior, making it useful for the early identification and monitoring of psychological or behavioral concerns. It can be applied both in general preschool populations and among children considered to be at increased risk.

Scoring

The questionnaire includes 36 statements rated by a teacher or caregiver according to the frequency with which each behavior occurs. According to the available material, responses are organized into three broad areas: emotional problems, externalizing–aggressive behavior, and anxiety–fear. The overall score provides a general indication of the child’s emotional and behavioral functioning.

Validity and Reliability

The PBQ demonstrates evidence of construct validity through correlations with other assessment measures. Its reliability is described as satisfactory in terms of both internal consistency and test–retest reliability, supporting its use for the systematic assessment of preschool behavior.

Data Analysis and Applications

PBQ data can be analyzed according to the three assessed dimensions, allowing researchers and practitioners to identify specific behavioral and emotional profiles. The results may be used for individual monitoring, research involving preschool populations, and the development or evaluation of appropriate psychological and educational interventions.

References

Behar L. The Preschool Behavior Questionnaire. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 1977;5:265–275.

Tags: PBQ-39, Preschool Behavior Questionnaire, Preschool Behavior, Behavioral Problems, Emotional Difficulties, Aggression, Anxiety, Fear, Preschool Children, Child Development, Early Screening, Psychometric Assessment