Teacher’s Report Form [TRF-113]

Brief Description

The TRF is one of the three core questionnaires of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA). It is completed by teachers or other school staff who know the child well in a school context. It includes 113 items assessing emotional and social problems, as well as the child’s adaptability and competencies. It is used in conjunction with other ASEBA tools, such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), to provide a comprehensive behavioral profile.

Purpose

The questionnaire aims to assess school adjustment, emotional and social functioning, and behavioral problems in children aged 6 to 18, as observed by the teacher within the school environment.

Scoring Method

Evaluation is based on observations of the child’s behavior over the past two months. Each item is rated on a three-point scale: 0 (not true), 1 (somewhat or sometimes true), and 2 (very true or often true). Responses are grouped into emotional and social problem categories and contribute to an overall assessment of the child’s school adjustment.

Validity

The validity of the TRF is well-documented through four decades of research. It has strong statistical correlations with similar tools and clinical findings. It demonstrates construct, convergent, and discriminant validity, as well as predictive validity for future psychosocial outcomes, across diverse populations.

Reliability

The TRF shows high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.72 to 0.95 for its various subscales. The reliability of the DSM-oriented scales ranges from 0.73 to 0.94. High inter-rater agreement has also been established, supporting its temporal and contextual stability.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data can be analyzed across specific emotional and behavioral dimensions and compared to developmental norms to identify potential psychopathology. The TRF is a valuable tool for diagnosis, guiding educational interventions, and monitoring the child’s progress in school.