The strengths and difficulties questionnaire: validation study in French school-aged children and cross-cultural comparisons

Abstract

To examine the psychometric properties of the French version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), compare estimates of child mental health problems and SDQ scores across France, US and UK. The French version of the parent-reported SDQ was administered to the parents of a representative sample of 1,348 French children aged 6-11 years old. The response rate was 57.6%. We performed three scoring methods and examined their association with socio-demographic data. French SDQ scores were compared with SDQ scores from US and UK national surveys. The French cut-off points for the scoring bands were similar to those of the UK and US, with a few exceptions (peer relationship problems, prosocial behaviour). The internal consistency of the SDQ subscales was acceptable with Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from 0.46 for peer relationship problems to 0.74 for hyperactivity/inattention. Known socio-demographic risk factors were associated with SDQ scoring method. For most SDQ scores, differences between France and the UK were smaller (5%) than those between France and the US. The study provided good support for the validity of the parent-reported SDQ in France as well as evidence for the usefulness of the SDQ as a promising screening instrument for epidemiological research and clinical purposes.