Validation of a Screening Questionnaire for Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents – The German Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-D)

In this study, we evaluate four German-language versions of the PSC (parent long: 35 items, short: 17 items, children and adolescents long: 35 items, short: 17 items). In two online surveys (COMPARE, ASK), we examined the psychometric quality criteria. The COMPARE data set included n = 388 parent–child dyads (age: parents M (SD) = 42.20 (7.37); age: children M (SD) = 10.90 (2.91)), and the ASK data set included n = 278 dyads (parents M (SD) = 43.00 (6.14); children M (SD) = 12.50 (2.11)). Data analysis revealed that all 35 items in the two versions fulfilled the quality criteria of classical test theory. The internal consistency for all four versions was acceptable to good. The three-factor structure was replicated and the discriminant and convergent validity compared to the CBCL and KIDSCREEN were satisfactory. Overall, the PSC is an economical, valid, and comprehensive screening instrument for mental health problems in children and adolescents.