The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire is a broadly investigated tool, available for use free of charge, with the aim of assessing the mental health of children and adolescents. Given the importance of using standardized instruments for assessing mental health indicators, the aim of this study was to review scientific literature related to the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. A search in MedLine, PsycINFO and Lilacs databases was performed, starting from year of the original publication of the questionnaire, from 1997 to 2010, using the keywords: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and psychometric properties, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and validity or reliability. Fifty-one psychometric studies were selected and analyzed. The results indicated positive levels of validity and reliability in 21 countries, including Brazil, highlighting its crosscultural range and applicability in the area of mental health for children and adolescents.
Behavior; Test reliability; Questionnaire; Mental health; Test validity
