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Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale Given
the increasing acceptability of a strength-based approach and the need to develop
standardized procedures to assessing strengths, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating
Scale: A Strength Based Approach to Assessment (Epstein & Sharma, 1998) was
designed to measure the emotional and behavioral strengths of children and adolescents.
The 52 items in the BERS assesses five areas of childhood strength: Interpersonal
Strength, Family Involvement, Intrapersonal Strength, School Functioning, and Affective
Strengths. The first area, Interpersonal Strength has 14 items (e.g.,
accepts criticism, accepts responsibility for own actions) that assess a child’s
ability to interact with others in social situations. Family Involvement includes
10 items (e.g., trusts a significant person in his or her life, participates in family
activities) that measure a child’s relationship with or commitment to his or her
family. Intrapersonal Strength has 11 items (e.g., talks about the positive aspects
of life, identifies personal strength) that focus in a general way on how a child
perceives his or her own functioning. School Functioning includes 9 items (e.g.,
completes school tasks on time, attends school regularly) that assess a child’s
performance and competence in school. Affective Strength includes 7 items (e.g.,
shows concern for the feelings of others, expresses affection for others) that measure a
child’s ability to give affection to and receive affection from others.
The BERS may be completed by any adult familiar with the child. Adults are asked to
rate each item on a four point scale (0=not at all like the child; 1=not like the child;
2=like the child; 3=very much like the child). Eight open-ended questions (e.g., Who is
this child’s best friend?, What are the child’s favorite hobbies or activities?)
are also included to gather specific information on a child’s competencies,
interests, preferences, and resources.
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