SDQ: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Behavioral screening for children and adolescents
About This Screener
The SDQ is a brief behavioral screening questionnaire that covers emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior. It can be completed by parents, teachers, or young people themselves (ages 11+).
Instructions
For each item, please mark whether it is "Not True", "Somewhat True" or "Certainly True" for your child. Please give your answers on the basis of your child's behavior over the last six months.
1. Considerate of other people's feelings
2. Restless, overactive, cannot stay still for long
3. Often complains of headaches, stomach-aches or sickness
4. Shares readily with other children, for example toys, treats, pencils
5. Often loses temper
6. Would rather be alone than with other children
7. Generally well behaved, usually does what adults request
8. Many worries or often seems worried
9. Helpful if someone is hurt, upset or feeling ill
10. Constantly fidgeting or squirming
11. Has at least one good friend
12. Often fights with other children or bullies them
13. Often unhappy, depressed or tearful
14. Generally liked by other children
15. Easily distracted, concentration wanders
16. Nervous or clingy in new situations, easily loses confidence
17. Kind to younger children
18. Often lies or cheats
19. Picked on or bullied by other children
20. Often offers to help others (parents, teachers, other children)
21. Thinks things out before acting
22. Steals from home, school or elsewhere
23. Gets along better with adults than with other children
24. Many fears, easily scared
25. Good attention span, sees chores or homework through to the end
Attribution & Disclaimer
The SDQ was developed by Robert Goodman and is freely available for non-commercial use. It is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess behavioral strengths and difficulties.
Z Psychology did not create or modify this screener. We are offering it here to support awareness and help families understand behavioral patterns.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not provide a diagnosis. If you have concerns, please consult with a qualified professional.