Behavioural Problems in a Nationally Representative Sample of Uruguay. Characterisation of Latent Profiles by Socioeconomic Status, Maternal Depression and Family Violence

CBCL 1½–5 is one of the most widely used behavioural problem screening instruments internationally. However, few studies have explored its psychometric properties in national representative samples. Additionally, there is limited evidence on the existence of latent profiles of behavioural problems in preschool samples. This study aimed to analyse the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the CBCL in a representative sample of children from Uruguay (n = 4210), identify latent profiles and characterise profiles according to sociodemographic and family environment variables (maternal depression and violence practices). Our results suggest that the CBCL 1½–5 is reliable. We replicate the seven-correlated-factor solution, which is invariant by sex and age. Three large profiles of behavioural problems were identified (high, medium and low risk) where membership in groups of higher risk was explained by the socioeconomic context, child’s sex, maternal depression and, to a lesser extent, violent parental practices.