CANADA'S MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION NETWORK
Youth Self-Report (YSR)
The Youth Self-Report (YSR) is one of a family of screening tools for behavioural and emotional problems in children and adolescents. This factsheet describes the assessment and how to order this tool.
The YSR is part of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessments (ASEBA). It is completed by the child or adolescent, whereas the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is completed by parents and the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) by teachers.
How it works
The 2001 revised YSR is made up of 112 problem items in a six-month time period. These 112 questions are scored using a three-point Likert scale (0=absent, 1= occurs sometimes, 2=occurs often).
It is recommended for use only with children 11 years and older. Like the CBCL and the TRF, the YSR yields scores on eight empirically derived syndrome scales:
- anxious/depressed
- withdrawn/depressed
- somatic complaints
- social problems
- thought problems
- attention problems
- rule-breaking behaviour
- aggressive behaviour.
These group into two higher order factors: internalizing and externalizing. The 2001 revision also added six DSM-oriented scales consistent with DSM diagnostic categories:
- affective problems
- anxiety problems
- somatic problems
- ADHD
- oppositional defiant problems
- conduct problems.
The YSR and the CBCL are also scored on (optional) competence scales for activities, social relations, school and total competence.
Administering the YSR
Appropriate target populations
Adolescents 11 to 18 years of age.
Formats available
_X_ self-administered (paper-and-pencil)
_X_ self-administered (computer)
___ clinician-administered
Time required
Approximately 10 minutes.
Languages available
_X_ English
___ French
_X_ Other (See website for details.)
Accessibility and cost
___ no charge for use
___ use requires permission of test developer
___ use requires special training and/or professional or academic credentials
_X_ fee for use (Contact ASEBA for pricing; currently $295 for single user license.)
ASEBA / Research Center for Children, Youth and Families
1 South Prospect Street,
St. Joseph's Wing (3rd Floor, Room 3207)
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone Number: 802-656-5130
E-mail (for orders and inquiries): mail@aseba.org
Where to access
Summary of test development data
Quality of reporting
High, based on STARD rating (see Appendix, p. 76).
Summary of validity and reliability
High, based largely on the variety and strength of the reliability and validity data across so many languages and cultural contexts.