Longitudinal Stability and Validity of Parent-Reported Mental Health Measures in a Preschool Community Population

Parent-report screening measures accurately capturing socio-emotional or behavioral (SEB) symptoms in preschool-aged children are needed to identify children requiring support. This study investigated the assessment stability of SEB symptoms in a preschool community population. Parents (N = 178) of children aged 3-5 years, completed the PSC-17, Preschool Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PPSC) and Child Behavior Checklist at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up. At baseline, clinicians interviewed parents using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Adolescents and Parents (DISCAP-V), and Children's Global Assessment Scale. PPSC and PSC-17 total scores, externalizing and attention subscales had significant measurement stability across time. Both PSC measures had moderate-strong correlations with clinical diagnoses, with the exception of internalizing disorders. Predictive validity of PSC measures with DISCAP-V diagnoses resulted in mixed findings. Findings that parent-report screening measures are associated with clinical diagnoses further justifies their use as a low-cost, first step in early-intervention models for preschool children.