Using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire as a screening tool for psychopathology in a sample of Singaporean children

Abstract

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a measure for predicting psychopathology in children and adolescents (Goodman, Ford et al., 2000). A significant association between the SDQ scores and the International Classification of Disease – version 10 (ICD-10) diagnoses has also been reported (Becker et al., 2004). The SDQ has been adopted in many countries outside of its country of origin, Britain. It has been used in research and clinical assessment of child psychopathology. Satisfactory psychometric properties within the European populations have been reported (Rothenberger & Woerner, 2004). To date, the SDQ has been translated into 40 languages. However, the cross- cultural validity of the SDQ in non-European countries is limited. Psychopathology is defined by presence of abnormal behaviour, and perception of behaviour varies across cultures (Kleinman, 1978). Cross-cultural validity of any psychological measure is therefore vital. The current study examines the clinical utility and predictive values of the SDQ in a sample of Singaporean students.