Screening for psychosocial dysfunction in economically disadvantaged and minority group children: further validation of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist.

This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) for screening lower-middle-class and minority group children. PSCs were collected from parents of 300 pediatric outpatients aged six to 12 years and 48 of these children and their parents were interviewed in depth. The rate of positive screening was higher for poorer children. Comprehensive interview evaluations and statistical indices suggested that this higher rate was valid.