The ECBI and the SESBI-R are comprehensive, behaviorally specific rating scales that assess the current frequency and severity of disruptive behaviors in the home and school settings, as well as the extent to which parents and/or teachers find the behavior troublesome. By evaluating the variety and frequency of behaviors commonly exhibited by all children, the instrument distinguishes normal behavior problems from conduct-disordered behavior in children and adolescents.

Features and benefits

• Evaluates in relevant environments. The ECBI is designed for completion by parents and assesses the child’s or adolescent’s behavior at home; the SESBI-R is designed for completion by teachers and assesses the child’s or adolescent’s behavior at school.
• Widely generalizable. Both instruments contain items that represent common behaviors in all children. Plus, items are non-age-specific, ensuring commensurate results regardless of age.
• Simple, fast scoring. ECBI and SESBI-R scores can be quickly and easily computed by hand in about 5 minutes each.
• Versatile administration. Completion of each rating sheet requires a 6th-grade reading level. Both instruments also are suitable for group administration or for administration via telephone.
• Provides supplemental information. Because they measure both the frequency of each problem behavior and the parent’s or teacher’s reaction to the child’s behavior, the ECBI and SESBI-R may provide additional insights into areas of the adult–child interaction that should be addressed.

Test structure

• A 7-point Intensity scale and a yes-or-no Problem scale are used on both instruments; a cutoff score that spans all ages is also provided, facilitating longitudinal measurement of treatment progress and evaluation of the long-term effects of treatment.
• Spanish-language forms are now available. Order now!

Technical information

• The normative sample included children from a range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, including urban, rural, and suburban environments. Norms for chronically ill children and other special populations are also reported.
• The ECBI Intensity and Problem scales demonstrate high internal consistency, significant test-retest reliability, and significant interrater reliability, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. The SESBI-R Intensity and Problem scales demonstrated high internal consistency and significant test-retest reliability, as well as convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity.
• Both measures are sensitive to changes that can occur during treatment.

Available in Spanish

ECBI and SESBI-R Test Sheets have been translated into U.S. Spanish. This product uses English norms only. 

A comprehensive list of research articles related to the ECBI and SESBI is available via Mendeley, a free reference management tool. After accessing the link, you will be prompted to create an account. A white paper describing how to use this research repository can be found here. Use of this resource is encouraged to facilitate research using the ECBI and SESBI. Both the list and the white paper are available in the Resources tab above.