The validity of intuitive classifications of experienced diagnosticians was examined for 10 experienced diagnosticians evaluating child behavior problems. Results showed that intuitive prototypes corresponded poorly with empirical core syndromes in the assessment system of T. M. Achenbach and others. Reasons for differences are discussed. (SLD)

An empirical typology of behavior styles was developed to define distinct variations of healthy, marginal, at-risk, and maladjusted behavior using a stratified national sample of 1,400 youths aged 5 to 17 years. Results are compared with recent epidemiological studies, and application of the typology is demonstrated. (SLD)

The contributions of specific scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) to the classification of 180 adolescent substance abusers into groups characterized by aspects of behavioral control were studied. Seven scales made significant contributions to the classification of substance abusers into three groups, with…

An empirically based paradigm for assessment and taxonomy of child, adolescent, and young adult behavioral and emotional problems is outlined, and the standardization procedures used to assess problems reported by different informants for large clinical samples are discussed. The application of the paradigm to new cases is considered. (SLD)