1) Well researched and widely used.
"...the CBCL has high utility due to its rapid coverage of a wide range of problems in various settings, the inclusion of scales to assess adaptive functioning, recently published cross-cultural normative data, and its extensive use in the research literature. (Dulcan, 2010)
2) Newly revised measure.
3) DSM-V oriented scores are provided to aid in diagnostic utility.
"Parents were interviewed to assess DSM-IV Conduct Disorder...criteria. Results revealed 2 subfactors of DSM-IV CD symptoms, made up of overt behaviors (e.g. initiating physical fights) and covert behaviors (e.g., stealing without confrontation). Ordinary least squares regressions showed the 2 CD subfactors to be significantly and uniquely predicted by the Child Behavior Checklist...labeled Aggressive Behavior and Delinquent Behavior, respectively." (Tackett et al, 2003)
In a study involving 370 children examining the "diagnostic accuracy of the CBCL syndrome AS scales for predicting DSM-IV Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder with or without Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD)", the "Attention Problems syndrom significantly predicted ADHD, and ODD/CD was significantly predicted by the Aggressive Behavior Syndrom. Both scales demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, as assessed through receiver operating characteristics analyses. Cut-point analyses confirmed the utility of low T-scores, 55 on the respective syndromes, for efficiently discriminating cases from noncases". The authors concluded that the "CBCL syndrome display good diagnostic efficiency for assessing concerning externalizing disorders in children. (Hudziak et al, 2004)
4) Provides information on strengths of the child.
5) Relatively inexpensive to administer and score.
6) Computer-generated reports are available with clinician-friendly feedback.
7) Parallel forms for daycare providers and teachers are available.
8) The form encourages respondents to include detailed information about their child. For example, several items ask for specific examples of behavior and open-ended questions are included.
9) The CBCL 1.5-5 is one of the few measures for early childhood which is included in a system of assessments for children through age 18. This allows for consistency in outcome measurement.
10) "Several problem behavior items in the CBCL system include blanks for respondents to provide specific examples. When interpreting scores, it is important to ensure that the respondent has accurately understood the items..." (Dulcan, 2010)