The validity and reliability of the parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire with kindergarten children in Indonesia

Abstract

Early detection of mental health issues is critical for students’ academic success, particularly in rural areas in the post–COVID-19 period. This study aims to validate the five-factor structure of the Indonesian parent-rated version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for kindergarten students in a rural context. Using a purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 300 parents of children enrolled in kindergartens from rural areas in each subdistrict capital. Data were analysed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in JASP software. The five-factor model demonstrated acceptable fit indices: CFI (0.916), TLI (0.905), and RMSEA (0.070). The SRMR value (0.113) indicated residual variance that warrants attention. The highest reliability values were observed on the Prosocial Behavior and Hyperactivity subscales, as estimated using McDonald's Omega. The data suggests that the Indonesian parent-rated SDQ is a reliable screening instrument for use in rural settings; however, caution is required in view of the low reliability of some of the subscales and high residual variance as indicated by the SRMR.