| dc.description.abstract | Background: In this study the interrater reliability and the effect of age, gender and psychiatric disorder on the behavioural scores of the Disruptive Behaviour Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS) were examined. Methods: The DB-DOS is a new observational method for assessing preschool disruptive problems. This is a structured method designed to identify clinical behaviour relevant for diagnosis of preschool disruptive behavioural disorders. Child behaviour is assessed in three contexts that vary in partner, parent or examiner, and level of support. The context used in the present study was the one in which the examiner supporting the child. Twenty-seven disruptive behaviours were coded within three domains: problems in Anger Modulation, problems in Behavioural Regulation, and Competence. In this study referred clinical children (n=110) and recruited control children (n=25) aged forty-one till sixty-seven months participated. Results: The DB-DOS demonstrated a good interrater reliability. Age and gender did not affect the DB-DOS scores of Anger Modulation and Behavioural Regulation. Also, gender did not affect the DB-DOS scores of Competence. But age did affect the DB-DOS scores of this domain; younger participants scored higher on competence than older children. Finally, psychiatric disorder affect both Anger Modulation and Behavioural Regulation DB-DOS scores. Children with a psychiatric disorder scored significant higher on all domains than children without a psychiatric disorder. Discussion: Considering that the results are from one module only, the results are promising. In next studies the other two contexts have to be concerned. Further recommendations are given about group size and gender distribution. | |
