How is the Internalising subscale calculated in the SDQ?

How is the Internalising subscale calculated in the SDQ?

• A. Conduct problems and hyperactivity
• B. Prosocial behaviour and peer problems
• C. Emotional and peer subscales
• D. Emotional problems and prosocial behaviour

Answer: (C)

Internalising problems are inward-directed difficulties, such as emotional symptoms and problems in peer relationships. In the SDQ, the internalising score is obtained by summing the items from the emotional problems subscale and the peer problems subscale. Each of those subscales has 5 items scored 0–2, so the internalising total ranges from 0 to 20. The prosocial behavior items form a separate strengths scale and are not included in this total. Therefore, the combination of emotional problems and peer problems best represents the internalising score.

Internalising problems are inward-directed difficulties, such as emotional symptoms and problems in peer relationships. In the SDQ, the internalising score is obtained by summing the items from the emotional problems subscale and the peer problems subscale. Each of those subscales has 5 items scored 0–2, so the internalising total ranges from 0 to 20. The prosocial behavior items form a separate strengths scale and are not included in this total. Therefore, the combination of emotional problems and peer problems best represents the internalising score.