PPSC validation info
The PPSC is an emotional/behavioral screening instrument for children 18-65 months of age. The PPSC was created as one part of a comprehensive screening instrument designed for pediatric primary care and is modeled after the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. Items for the PPSC were developed by a team of experts who reviewed existing assessment instruments and relevant research literature. Scale construction and initial validation (including factor analysis and tests of construct validity) were conducted with 292 families from pediatric primary care sites and 354 families from referral clinics. 171 additional families were recruited from primary care sites to obtain an independent replication sample.
Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 dimensions of the PPSC: Externalizing, Internalizing, Attention Problems, and Parenting Challenges. These dimensions were incorporated into a bifactor model that displayed a strong general factor, thus supporting the use of a total score. The PPSC total score shows strong internal and retest reliability, and it identifies children who score in the clinical range of a longer, well-validated and more comprehensive parent-report instrument (the CBCL), as well as children who are reported to have a range of behavioral diagnoses. Moreover, sensitivity and specificity with respect to these criteria were comparable to those of another well-accepted but longer screener, the Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional. Finally, results for the PPSC’s total scale remained consistent when replicated in an independent sample.
PPSC at a glance
Domain:
- Behavior
Age range:
- 18 months, 0 days to 65 months, 31 days
- The PPSC is on the bottom of the front side of the 24-60 month Age-Specific SWYC Forms
Scoring:
- Determine the PPSC total score by assigning a “0” for each “Not at All” response, a “1” for each “Somewhat” response, and a “2” for each “Very Much” response, and then sum the results. A PPSC total score of 9 or greater indicates that a child is “at risk” and needs further evaluation.
- In the event that parents have selected multiple responses for a single question and are unavailable for further questioning, then choose the more concerning answer (i.e. “Somewhat” or “Very Much”) farthest to the right.
- In the event that there is a missing response, that item counts as zero.
Disclaimer
The SWYC and the information on this site are not designed to and do not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment. The information and any reference materials posted here by TEAM UP Scaling and Sustainability Center are intended solely for the information of the reader. Such information is NOT intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. The SWYC trademark and copyrights are held by the TEAM UP Scaling and Sustainability Center at Boston Medical Center.
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Although the SWYC is freely available, it cannot be modified without the express permission of the Original Developer, Chris Sheldrick, PhD; Executive Director, Anita Morris, MSN; or Megan Bair-Merritt, MD, MSCE. If you are interested in translating the SWYC into a new language or administering it in a way that the downloadable forms are inappropriate (e.g., administering the SWYC through an electronic system), please contact the TEAM UP Center at SWYC.TEAMUPCenter@bmc.org.
ABOUT the TEAM UP Scaling and Sustainability Center
The Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC) was intentionally designed to be uniquely suited for pediatric primary care. We find screening works best in the context of integrated care.
Funding Opportunity
If you are a Massachusetts-based primary care practice serving children and adolescents, TEAM UP—Transforming and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care Universally in Pediatrics—Scaling and Sustainability Center (TEAM UP Center) at Boston Medical Center is offering an exceptional funding opportunity to partner with the TEAM UP Center in advancing integrated pediatric behavioral health care.