Lisanne Stone

l.stone@pwo.ru.nl

Title project:
The validity of the SDQ

Abstract:
The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for both the teacher and parent version. The SDQ signals for psychosocial problems, its stability and change, in children. This project focuses on children aged 4-7. Data on reliability and validity shall be gathered in yearly waves for 2000 children via their teachers and parents in a longitudinal study over a 3-year time span. In order to establish psychometric properties, the SDQ will be compared to an equivalent questionnaire.
Though research on the SDQ’s psychometric properties is scarce in The Netherlands, the questionnaire is being used increasingly by mental health professionals. Therefore, it is important that norms, reliability and validity are established for the SDQ in order to maintain quality in the Dutch field of diagnostics. Results can contribute to decision making in mental health organizations.
In addition, we will explore processes underlying psychosocial childhood problems as measured by the SDQ.