The Equivalence of the Behavior Problem Index Across U.S. Ethnic Groups

In this study, the authors examine the equivalence of the factor structure of a commonly used symptom checklist of behavioral and emotional problems—the Behavior Problem Index (BPI)—across African American, Hispanic, and White children in the United States. The sample is drawn from the 1998 data file of the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, a U.S. data set. The results of the study suggest that the BPI is not equivalent across the three ethnic groups. These findings are consistent when equivalence is tested for a one-factor model, a two-factor model using the internalizing and externalizing dimensions of the BPI, and a six-factor model using the subscales of the BPI. Item-level analyses identify the statistically significant items that are associated with nonequivalence across ethnic groups. The implications of nonequivalent measures for cross-cultural research and practice with families and children are discussed.

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