An inventory to measure knowledge of behavioral methods as applied to severe psychiatric impairments

This study sought to develop a measure, with established psychometric integrity, of the knowledge and ability to apply behavioral methods to problems faced irt caring for people with severe and persistent mental disorders As initial set of 100 multiple alternative items, based oil situations provided by direct caregivers in inpatient (n = 30), community care (n = 45), and family (n = 70) settings, was developed to assess knowledge of behavior management methods. Item analysis was initially employed to identify the 50 best items. Data from 287 participants representing a spectrum of education nod experience of psychiatric caregivers are presented to demonstrate acceptable internal consistency, temporal stability; content validity construct validity and criterion-induced validity of the resulting inventory. The resulting inventory provides a convenient method, with established reliability and validity: to assess caregiver knowledge and skill as well as the effectiveness of training experiences designed to increase such knowledge and skill.