Overview
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used, brief behavioral screening tool designed to assess emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationships, and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents.
Unlike many screening tools, the SDQ captures both difficulties and strengths, offering a more balanced and holistic view of a child’s mental and behavioral health.
What Does SDQ Measure?
The SDQ consists of five core domains:
- Emotional Symptoms (e.g., worries, fears, low mood)
- Conduct Problems (e.g., rule-breaking, aggression)
- Hyperactivity / Inattention (e.g., restlessness, difficulty concentrating)
- Peer Relationship Problems (e.g., social isolation, peer conflict)
- Prosocial Behavior (e.g., empathy, kindness, helping others)
The first four domains contribute to a Total Difficulties Score, while the prosocial scale highlights positive social functioning.
Using SDQ on Our Platform
When administered through our platform, the SDQ enables clinicians to:
- Collect reports from parents, teachers, and youth
- Compare perspectives across reporters
- Visualize trends across domains over time
- Support collaborative care and early intervention
- Integrate strengths-based insights into treatment planning
This helps teams move beyond symptom tracking toward whole-child understanding.
Clinical Considerations
- AUDIT is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure
- The SDQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- Multiple informants improve accuracy and insight
- Cultural and contextual factors should be considered
- Positive findings should be followed by further assessment when needed
Goodman, R. (1997).
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A research note.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 38(5), 581–586.
Goodman, R. (2001).
Psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(11), 1337–1345.
It assesses both strengths and difficulties.
Children, parents, and teachers.
Yes, across many countries.
Typically ages 2–17.
Yes, by balancing challenges with strengths.
Explore additional tools for anxiety, trauma, substance use, and child mental health.