Separation reaction of psychiatrically hospitalized children: a pilot study.

This paper reports on the development of the Children's Separation Rating Scale (CSRS), its initial reliability and validity, and clinical/research utility with psychiatrically hospitalized children. The CSRS appears to be a reliable and valid instrument, and useful in distinguishing children's separation reaction from their general psychopathology. Findings from this pilot study support the notion that inpatient treatment programs should address the developmental needs and abilities of the various age groups and the particular deficits reflected in their psychopathology.