Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a behavioural screening tool for children (ages 2–17) that generates a total difficulties score from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating more significant behavioural or emotional concerns. It is used by parents and teachers to assess emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationships, and pro-social behaviour.

Interpreting SDQ Scores (Parent/Teacher Report)

Total Difficulties Scores are typically categorized into bands to help identify the level of need:

0–13: Normal (Close to average)
14–16: Borderline (Slightly raised)
17–40: Abnormal (Cause for concern) [1, 2, 3]

Key Components

The 25 items on the questionnaire are divided into five scales (5 items each): [1, 2]

Emotional Symptoms (0-10)
Conduct Problems (0-10)
Hyperactivity/Inattention (0-10)
Peer Relationship Problems (0-10)
Prosocial Behaviour (0-10) [1]

Note: The Total Difficulties Score is the sum of the first four scales (0-40); the Prosocial score is not included in the total difficulties score.

What the Scores Mean

0–13 (Normal): Indicates low need, typical behaviour.
14–16 (Borderline): Suggests slightly raised difficulties that may warrant monitoring.
17–40 (Cause for Concern): High or very high scores suggest that further professional assessment for emotional or behavioural health may be necessary. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

SDQ scores should not be used in isolation but as part of a wider assessment of a child’s needs