PSC-17

Overview

The Pediatric Symptom Checklist - 17 (PSC-17) is a brief, self-report tool used to screen for emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems in children and adolescents. It is designed to identify potential psychosocial issues that may require further evaluation or intervention. The PSC-17 is widely used in clinical settings and research to monitor children's mental health and well-being.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the PSC-17 is to screen for a range of emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. It aims to:

• Identify children who may need further psychological assessment
• Assist in the early detection of mental health issues
• Guide clinicians in developing appropriate treatment plans

Structure

The PSC-17 consists of 17 items that assess various emotional and behavioral concerns. The items are rated on a 3-point scale:

• 0 = Never
• 1 = Sometimes
• 2 = Often

The questions cover a range of issues, including:

• Difficulty with concentration
• Feelings of sadness or depression
• Behavioral problems
• Social withdrawal
• Hyperactivity

Applications

• Clinical Use: Clinicians use the PSC-17 to identify potential emotional and behavioral problems in children, to guide diagnostic and treatment decisions, and to monitor changes over time.
• Research Use: Researchers utilize the PSC-17 to study the prevalence and impact of psychosocial problems in children and adolescents, and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Psychometric Properties

The PSC-17 has been validated through research and demonstrates strong psychometric properties, including:

• Internal Consistency: The PSC-17 shows good internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values typically reported above 0.70.
• Test-Retest Reliability: The PSC-17 exhibits stable test-retest reliability, indicating that it produces consistent results over time.
• Validity: The PSC-17 has strong convergent and discriminant validity, effectively distinguishing between children with and without significant emotional and behavioral problems.

Translation and Adaptation

The PSC-17 has been translated into multiple languages and adapted for use in various cultural contexts, making it accessible for a diverse range of populations.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Symptom Checklist - 17 (PSC-17) is a valuable tool for screening emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Its concise format, robust psychometric properties, and broad applicability make it an essential instrument for both clinical practice and research. By identifying children at risk for psychosocial issues, the PSC-17 helps healthcare providers implement timely interventions and promote better mental health outcomes.