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Symptom Checklist 90
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About Symptom Checklist 90
Scale Name
Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90)
Author Details
Leonard R. Derogatis
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), also known as the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), emerged as a prominent tool for assessing psychological distress in the mid-1970s. Developed by clinical psychologist Leonard R. Derogatis, it sought to provide a comprehensive and reliable measure of a wide range of psychological symptoms.
The SCL-90 consists of 90 self-report items that span nine primary symptom dimensions: somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. It also includes additional items to assess other symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and appetite changes. Individuals rate the frequency and severity of each symptom on a 5-point scale, providing insights into their overall psychological well-being.
The SCL-90 quickly gained widespread use in both clinical and research settings due to its several strengths:
- Broad scope: It captures a diverse range of psychological symptoms, offering a holistic view of an individual’s mental health.
- Ease of administration: The self-report format makes it simple to administer and complete, typically taking 12-15 minutes.
- Standardized scoring: Scores are converted to T-scores based on age and gender norms, enabling meaningful comparisons across individuals and populations.
- Sensitivity to change: The SCL-90 is sensitive to fluctuations in symptoms, making it valuable for monitoring treatment progress and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
While not a diagnostic tool itself, the SCL-90 serves as a valuable instrument for assessing psychological distress and guiding clinical decision-making. It continues to hold a prominent position in mental health assessment and remains a widely used tool in both clinical and research contexts.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Preparation: Ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for the individual taking the test. Explain the purpose of the SCL-90 and answer any questions they may have.
- Consent: Obtain informed consent if required by your setting or research protocol.
- Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. Emphasize the importance of honest and accurate responses.
- Anonymity: Assure confidentiality if applicable.
- Reviewing the Questionnaire: Briefly go through the questionnaire format and answer any initial questions about specific items.
Reliability and Validity
The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) has been extensively studied for its reliability and validity, making it a reliable tool for assessing psychological distress and symptoms in both clinical and research settings. Here’s a breakdown of its key qualities:
- Internal consistency: High internal consistency has been demonstrated, meaning items within each dimension measure the same underlying construct to a high degree. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients typically range from 0.80 to 0.90 for the global score and subscales.
- Test-retest reliability: Consistent results are obtained when individuals retake the SCL-90 within a short time frame (e.g., one week), with correlation coefficients generally exceeding 0.80.
- Content validity: Items are carefully chosen to represent a wide range of clinically relevant symptoms, ensuring it covers important aspects of psychological distress.
- Construct validity: Supports the theoretical foundations of the SCL-90. Strong correlations have been found between the SCL-90 and other established measures of psychopathology, suggesting it taps into the intended constructs.
- Concurrent validity: Significantly correlates with clinical diagnoses and other measures of mental health, demonstrating its ability to discriminate between healthy and clinical populations.
Limitations:
- Self-report bias: Individuals may intentionally or unintentionally misrepresent their symptoms.
- Sensitivity to situational factors: Symptoms might fluctuate depending on recent events or context.
- Not a diagnostic tool: Should be used in conjunction with other clinical information and professional judgment.
Available Versions
92-Items
Reference
Derogatis, L. R. (1992). SCL-90-R: Administration, scoring & procedures manual-II for the (revised) version and other instruments of the psychopathology rating scale series. Clinical Psychometric Research., 1-16.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCL-90?
The SCL-90, also known as the SCL-90-R, is a self-report questionnaire used to assess a wide range of psychological symptoms and distress. It covers nine primary dimensions like somatization, depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Who uses the SCL-90?
Clinicians: To assess mental health and monitor treatment progress in patients.
Researchers: To investigate psychological distress and symptoms in research studies.
Individuals: Sometimes used for self-assessment, though professional interpretation is recommended.
What are the benefits of the SCL-90?
Comprehensive: Assesses a broad range of symptoms, providing a holistic picture.
Reliable and valid: Extensive research supports its accuracy and consistency.
Easy to administer: Self-report format takes 12-15 minutes to complete.
Sensitive to change: Tracks progress in treatment and identifies fluctuations in symptoms.
What are the limitations of the SCL-90?
Self-report bias: Participants might misrepresent symptoms intentionally or unintentionally.
Not a diagnostic tool: Should be used in conjunction with other clinical information and professional judgment.
Culturally influenced: May require adaptations for diverse populations.
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