[Further examination of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Magy) in a community sample of young adolescents].

INTRODUCTION

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Magy) is a brief instrument suitable for assessing and screening childhood behavior and mental problems, available in parent and teacher, and from 11 years of age, self-report versions. The aim of the present study was to extend our previous investigation in a community sample to an older age group, to examine its psychometric properties, and to assess cross-informant agreements and differences, effects of gender and age, as well as to determine cut-off points between normal and abnormal scores within the community sample.

METHODS

Parent, teacher, and self-report questionnaire data were collected on 286 pupils of 12-17 years of age.

RESULTS

With a few exceptions, internal consistencies of the scales were satisfactory, the teacher-reports showing the highest reliability. Regarding scale means, there were few significant differences from the British normative data. Correlations among problem scales were weak to moderate, and only self and parent reports showed moderate interrater agreements. Boys scored higher on Conduct problems and Hyperactivity scales, girls were reported to show more Prosocial behaviors and Emotional symptoms. Children's age affected teacher reports only, showing an increase of problems with age. We propose cut-off values for separating normal and clinical ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychometric properties and inter-correlations of the SDQ scales, as well as gender differences are consistent with the previous Hungarian and international studies. Rater differences found on certain scales suggest contextual effects on problematic behaviors, discrepancies between informants, and their potentially importance for researchers and mental health professionals.