Assessing externalizing and internalizing behaviour in children: use of the motor behaviour checklist in a typical school-age Polish sample

The study was designed to investigate externalizing and internalizing behaviours in a typical school-aged sample of children (N=112) using the Polish version of the Motor Behaviour Checklist for Children. The instrument was translated into Polish and teachers observed and recorded the motor behaviour of their students in school settings during physical education and free play situations. Findings demonstrated a psychometrically robust application of the MBC in a Polish sample as well as gender differences in total externalizing scores. In addition, age was found to be significant correlated with internalizing scores and especially with the social interaction factor. Teachers reported boys as more inattentive and more hyperactive/impulsive than girls and more likely to display externalising symptoms connected with ADHD particularly in school settings. Findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and have practical implications when designing behavioural management programs and educational interventions in school settings.