The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is used to assess the behavioral problems and social competencies of children. Its broad usage in both a practitioner and research context has led to misapplications as compared to the CBCL's original intended purpose. Practical applications vary from the more traditional mental health centers and medical…

Literature on seriously emotionally disturbed children who are socially withdrawn is reviewed, with particular attention given to definitions, identification, etiology, importance of treatment, and treatment procedures. Researchers' attempts to define and categorize social withdrawal are reviewed, and it is suggested that a child's behavior be…