Measurement of behavioural and emotional adjustment in children and their families

This article describes assessment scales (mainly questionnaires) that can be used to screen for behavioural and emotional adjustment in children and families. This article focuses on instruments that are readily accessible, easy to use, do not require specific training, and may be useful for practitioners as an adjunct to clinical assessment. Information about administration and scoring is given where possible. The article includes details of general screening measures for psychiatric disorder, questionnaires to screen for depression and anxiety disorders, externalizing disorders (including hyperactivity and conduct disorders), screening tools for autistic spectrum disorders, and eating disorders. Tools to assess self-esteem and family functioning are also discussed in addition to scales to measure outcome and case complexity.