OBJECTIVE. In this article, we evaluate psychometric properties of the Child’s Challenging Behaviour Scale, Version 2 (CCBS–2) with mothers of young, typically developing children. METHOD. A cross-sectional mail survey with Australian mothers (N = 337) included the CCBS–2, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status scale. RESULTS. Internal consistency was good, and no gender differences in CCBS–2 scores were significant. Significant results included differences between CCBS–2 scores: among children grouped according to age, among children grouped according to pre– and post–school entry, among mothers grouped according to extent of any symptom type, and between this sample and a previously collected age-matched sample of children with disabilities. CONCLUSION. Of the properties tested, results support sound psychometrics. The CCBS–2 can be used to differentiate children according to age, school entry, and disability as well as to identify families for potential services in behavior management and mental health.

OBJECTIVE. The Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS) measures the self-rated frequency with which adults participate in activities that promote health. We evaluated the internal consistency, construct validity, and intrarater reliability of the HPAS with a cohort of mothers (N = 56) of school-age children. METHOD. We used an online survey that included the HPAS and measures of mental and physical health. Statistical analysis included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), measurement error, error range, limits of agreement, and minimum detectable change (MDC). RESULTS. The HPAS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .73). Construct validity was supported by a significant difference in HPAS scores among participants grouped by physical activity level; no other differences were significant. Results included a high aggregate ICC of .90 and an MDC of 5 points. CONCLUSION. Our evaluation of the HPAS revealed good reliability and stability, suggesting suitability for ongoing evaluation as an outcome measure.

We extracted 35 articles published between January 2009 and September 2013 in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) that focused on children and youth instrument development and testing, summarized study details and traits of the 37 measures reported in them, and then critiqued the measures. Most of the articles contained Level III evidence (one-group nonrandomized and noncontrolled). The most common types of reliability reported in the articles were internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and interrater reliability; the most frequent types of validity reported were discriminant validity and construct validity. Most pediatric assessment tools were designed for school-age children between ages 5 and 12 yr. The two most common purposes for the assessments were reported as descriptive and discriminative. The continued publication of instruments that measure children and youth participation in meaningful occupations and life roles in home, school, and community environments is recommended.

OBJECTIVE. The Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS) measures the frequency with which mothers participate in self-selected leisure activities that promote health and well-being. We undertook an initial evaluation of the scale with mothers of school-age children with developmental disabilities (N = 152). METHOD. We used a mixed methodology in the instrument design: a qualitative study to generate items and a quantitative study to evaluate the instrument. Our statistical analysis assessed the internal consistency, factor structure, and construct validity of the HPAS. RESULTS. The HPAS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .78). Construct validity was supported by moderate correlations with subjective maternal mental and general health (Short Form 36, Version 2) and by differentiation in leisure participation among groups of mothers reporting differences in mental health status. CONCLUSION. Initial evaluation of the HPAS indicates that this brief tool is psychometrically sound. The HPAS allows professionals to evaluate clients’ participation in leisure occupations that promote health and well-being. Further development of the HPAS is warranted.