title: Child competence and psychiatric risk. I. Model and method.
abstract: A model of competence and competence assessment for use in longitudinal research with children at risk to behavioral pathology is presented. The model and the resulting scales were developed so as to create age-appropriate criteria for competent functioning for use in both intermediate and long term outcome research. In order to avoid the pitfalls of listing attributes for success, using normative approaches, or using theoretically based definitions, the model assumes that the criteria for competence are derived from the norms for expected behavior within the assessment domain. Scales for the assessment of competence within the domain of school functioning for children at risk, an area previously demonstrated as having predictive utility, are presented, and an empirically based system of score profiling is described. The model permits the measurement of competence from dimensional to global levels to facilitate the testing of a variety of research questions within the risk area. A description of the University of Rochester Child and Family Study is also presented.
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012306:Risk; D012917:Social Adjustment