SDQ Flashcards
What is the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)?
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a concise behavioural screening tool to identify children and adolescents who may have significant emotional and behavioural difficulties.
What are the clinical uses for the SDQ?
Screening Tool
Assessment Aid
Monitoring and Evaluating Intervention
Research
Can the SDQ be used for diagnostic purposes?
SDQ is not a diagnostic tool, it is a highly useful screening instrument that helps identify children and adolescents who may need further assessment. It informs clinicians about potential areas of concern, guiding more detailed evaluations and interventions to support the child’s mental health and well-being.
How many different versions of the SDQ are there?
4 versions
Parent version
Teacher version
Self-Report version
Young Child version
What is the age range for the SDQ?
4 to 17 years
Younger Child Version: 2 to 4 years
What is the age range for the self-report version?
11 - 17 years
What are the 5 scales of the SDQ?
Emotional Symptoms
Conduct Problems
Hyperactivity
Peer Relationship Problems
Prosocial Behaviour
How many items is the SDQ?
25 items
How many items per scale?
5 items per scale
What point scale is the SDQ and what are the responses?
3 point scale
0 - Not True
1 - Somewhat True
2 - Certainly True
How are the scales scored and what is the range?
Scores for each scale are summed with a range from 0 to 10
What is the Total Difficulties Score?
The Total Difficulties Score is an overall measure of the child’s behavioural and emotional difficulties.
How is the Total Difficulties Score determined?
The Total Difficulties Score is the sum of the scores from scales:
Emotional Symptoms
Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity
Peer Relationship Problems
Does not include the Prosocial Scale
What is the range for the Total Difficulties Score?
The Total Difficulties Score ranges from 0 to 40
What are the descriptors and corresponding score ranges for the Total Difficulties Score
Normal: 0 - 13
Borderline: 14 - 16
Abnormal: 17 - 40
On the Total Difficulties Score, what does a score within Normal range indicate?
A score within Normal range (0 - 13) indicates few or no significant emotional or behavioural issues. The child generally demonstrates typical behaviour and emotional functioning.
On the Total Difficulties Score, what does a score within Borderline range indicate?
A score within Borderline (14 - 16) range indicates moderate levels of difficulties that may need monitoring and possibly early intervention.
On the Total Difficulties Score, what does a score within Abnormal range indicate?
A score within Abnormal (17-40) range indicates emotional and behavioural issues, such as high levels of anxiety, depression, aggression, hyperactivity, and difficulties with peer relationships.
What does the Emotional Symptoms scale measure?
The Emotional Symptoms scale assesses symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and general emotional distress.
What do Normal and Abnormal scores on the Emotional Symptoms scale indicate?
Emotional Symptoms
Normal (0-3): Few or no symptoms of anxiety or depression, overall emotional stability.
Abnormal (5-10): Frequent worries, feelings of sadness or unhappiness, fearfulness, somatic complaints (headaches, stomach-aches), and nervousness.
What does the Conduct Problems scale measure?
The Conduct Problems scale evaluates behaviours related to aggression, rule-breaking, and antisocial behaviour.
What do Normal and Abnormal scores on the Conduct Problems scale indicate?
Conduct Problems
Normal (0-2): Generally well-behaved, follows rules, minimal aggressive behaviour.
Abnormal (4-10): Frequent temper tantrums, aggression, rule-breaking, lying, and bullying.
What does the Hyperactivity/Inattention scale measure?
The Hyperactivity/Inattention scale measures symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention difficulties.
What do Normal and Abnormal scores on the Hyperactivity/Inattention scale indicate?
Hyperactivity/Inattention
Normal (0-5): Calm, focused, and attentive behaviour.
Abnormal (7-10): Restlessness, difficulty staying still, inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
