The ”Gießener Beschwerdebogen für Kinder und Jugendliche” (GBB-KJ):Reliability, Factorial Validity and Standardization of the Self- and Parent Report Form from 4 to 18 Years

Abstract

The Gießen Physical Complaint List for Children and Adolescents (German abbreviation: GBB-KJ) is the only German questionnaire specifically designed for children and adolescents that allows a multidimensional measurement of parent and self-reported physical complaints. This study presents data on factorial validity, cross-sectional reliability, agreement of the parent and self-report, as well as standardization in a sample of 4 to 18 year-old children and adolescents representative for Germany (N=1950). Among other methods, linear structural equation modelling was used. In a population-based sample, the five-factor version of the GBB-KJ is considered to have acceptable to good factorial validity and satisfactory reliability. The main problem is the high difficulty of items or floor effects, respectively, especially the scale “circulation problems”. Parental assessment can replace self-assessment only to a limited degree, and whenever possible, should be supplemented by self-report data. Further investigation of criterion and construct validity, test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to change is recommended not only in research but in clinical samples as well.