Construct Validity of the Teacher Version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a Sample of Elementary-Aged Children in the United States

This exploratory study assesses the utility of the U.S. version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) teacher form as a screener for mental health and behavior concerns. The SDQ was administered to a heavily economically vulnerable, Latinx community sample of 391 students in grades K-6. Internal reliability and differences by sex and grade were analyzed, and multidimensional item response theory models were conducted. Support was found for a five-factor model allowing factor scores to be used to differentiate between student abilities. Results revealed that the U.S. version of the SDQ teacher form was adequate for identifying students from a majority Latinx population who are experiencing general difficulties; however, utilization of the SDQ as a standalone measure is not indicated. Teachers rated boys higher on total difficulties, conduct, hyperactivity–inattention, and social concern scales. Girls were rated higher on prosocial scales. Grade level differences are also noted. Findings of this exploratory study indicate that items on the SDQ teacher form don’t differentiate ability in an ideal manner. Recommendations for interpretation of the SDQ, as well as future research, are provided.