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The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire: scale validation with Russian adolescents
Vladislav Ruchkin1, Roman Koposov, Mary Schwab-Stone
1Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT 06520-7900, USA. vladislav.ruchkin@yale.edu
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|August 4, 2007
Summary
This study evaluated the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Russian adolescents. While the five-factor structure fit well, the Russian SDQ scales showed inadequate psychometric properties for reliable use.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used child mental health screening tool.
- Validating the SDQ's factor structure in diverse populations is crucial for accurate assessment.
- Previous research has established the SDQ's utility in various international contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the factor structure of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a general population of Russian adolescents.
- To assess the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the SDQ.
- To evaluate the suitability of the SDQ for use in Russian adolescent mental health research.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of 2892 Russian adolescents aged 13-18 years from Arkhangelsk participated.
- The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and other psychopathology measures were administered.
- Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the factor structure on split-halves of the sample.
Main Results:
- The five-factor oblique model demonstrated a good fit for the Russian adolescent sample.
- Factor loadings and scale reliabilities for the Russian SDQ were found to be low.
- Despite good model fit, the psychometric characteristics of the Russian version were deemed inadequate.
Conclusions:
- The Russian version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) conforms to a five-factor oblique model but has unsatisfactory psychometric properties.
- The current Russian SDQ scales exhibit inadequate reliability and factor loadings.
- Further scale development and validation are recommended for the Russian SDQ to improve its psychometric characteristics.
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