Which instrument is used to assess emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents?

• A. WAIS
• B. SDQ
• C. PAI
• D. WISC

Answer: (B)

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire is a brief screening tool specifically designed to identify emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents. It’s useful because it captures a range of emotional and behavioral issues in youth and can be completed by parents, teachers, or the youths themselves, making it adaptable for different settings and useful for tracking changes over time. It’s not a diagnostic instrument, but it helps flag areas where further assessment may be needed.

The other tools aren’t aimed at this purpose in youth: the WAIS and WISC are intelligence tests (WAIS for adults, WISC for children), and the PAI is a personality assessment designed for adults.