| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | The Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC; Peterson, 1961) was developed to assess problem behavior during middle childhood. The checklist was created based on referral problems from 427 cases at a child guidance clinic. From these, 58 common problems were selected. The checklist items are randomly ordered, and participants are asked to rate each item as 0 (no problem), 1 (mild problem), or 2 (severe problem). Factor analyses on samples of kindergarten and elementary school children revealed two primary factors: conduct problems and personality problems. Interjudge reliabilities for these factors were .77 and .75, respectively, and the correlation between the two factors was .18, indicating a low level of dependency between them. |
| Author | Peterson, Donald R. |
| Purpose | To assess problem behavior during middle childhood. |
| Construct | Problem Behavior |
| Instrument Type | Checklist |
| Reliability | Factor analyses revealed two factors: conduct problems and personality problems. Interjudge ratings of .77 and .75 for these factors, respectively. The correlation between factors was .18. |
| Validity | Factor analysis revealed the presence of two primary factors: conduct problem and personality problem. |
| Factor Analysis | No factor analysis indicated. |
| Test Methodology | Test Reliability; Interrater Reliability |
| Test Items | 58 items, divided into 24 items for conduct problems and 31 items for personality problems. |
| Classification | 6700 Mental Health/Illness Related Assessment |
| Population Group | Human |
| Population Details | Sample: Kindergarten and Elementary School Children |
| Keywords | Childhood Development; Conduct Problems Subscale; Factorial Validity; Interrater Reliability; Personality Problems Subscale; Peterson Problem Checklist; Psychometric Properties; Test Development |
| Index Terms | Behavior Problems; Elementary School Students; Factorial Validity; Kindergarten Students; Personality Development; Symptom Checklists; Test Construction; Test Reliability; Test Validity |
| Permissions | May use for Research/Teaching |
| Reference | Peterson, D. R. (1961). Behavior problems of middle childhood. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 25(3), 205–209. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0038994 |
Table of Contents
Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC)
| Conduct Problem | |
| Disobedience | Profanity |
| Disruptiveness | Jealousy |
| Boisterousness | Uncooperativeness |
| Fighting | Distractibility |
| Attention-seeking | Irresponsibility |
| Restlessness | Inattentiveness |
| Negativism | Laziness in school |
| Impertinence | Shortness of attention span |
| Destructiveness | Dislike for school |
| Irritability | Nervousness |
| Temper tantrums | Thumb-sucking |
| Hyperactivity | Skin allergy |
| Personality Problem | |
| Feelings of inferiority | Clumsiness |
| Lack of self-confidence | Daydreaming |
| Social withdrawal | Tension |
| Proneness to become flustered | Suggestibility |
| Self-consciousness | Crying |
| Shyness | Preference for younger playmates |
| Anxiety | Specific fears |
| Lethargy | Stuttering |
| Inability to have fun | Headaches |
| Depression | Nausea |
| Reticence | Truancy from school |
| Hypersensitivity | Stomach-aches |
| Drowsiness | Preference for older playmates |
| Aloofness | Masturbation |
| Preoccupation | Hay fever or asthma |
| Lack of interest in environment |
Cite this article
Mohammed looti (2025). Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC). Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. Retrieved from https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/peterson-problem-checklist-ppc/
Mohammed looti. "Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC)." Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, 28 Oct. 2025, https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/peterson-problem-checklist-ppc/.
Mohammed looti. "Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC)." Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, 2025. https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/peterson-problem-checklist-ppc/.
Mohammed looti (2025) 'Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC)', Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. Available at: https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/peterson-problem-checklist-ppc/.
[1] Mohammed looti, "Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC)," Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, October, 2025.
Mohammed looti. Peterson Problem Checklist (PPC). Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. 2025;vol(issue):pages.