• Introduction
• Strength-Based Assessment
• Behavioral & Emotional Rating Scale
• Scoring
• Uses
• Mark:  A Case Study
  • Background
  • Presenting Problem
  • Strength Assessment
  • Transition Planning Team
  • Interpersonal Strength
  • Family Involvement
  • Intrapersonal Strength
  • School Functioning
  • Affective Strength
• Summary
• References

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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