Analysis

The analysis of the Social Support Questionnaire for Children (SSQC) involves the evaluation of the tool’s psychometric reliability and validity. The internal consistency of the items is typically examined using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure the coherence of children’s responses. Test-retest reliability is assessed through measurements at different points in time to determine the stability of responses. The validity of the tool is evaluated through comparative studies with other social support measures and factor analyses to confirm the structure of the questionnaire.

Objective

The objective of the SSQC is to provide a reliable and valid means of assessing the social support that children receive. This tool is used in research to understand the impact of social support on children’s mental and emotional development. It is also applied in clinical practice to identify children’s support needs and to design interventions aimed at improving their social interaction and well-being.

Calibration

The calibration of the SSQC is carried out using a Likert scale adapted for children, where responses range from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much), depending on how often children feel they receive support. Total scores are calculated by summing the scores of the individual items for each dimension of social support. Higher scores indicate greater perceived support.

References

The literature on the SSQC includes studies that document the development and validation of the tool. One important study is by Harter, Waters, and Whitesell (1998), published in Developmental Psychology. This study provides a detailed description of the development of the SSQC, the evaluation of its reliability and validity, as well as its application across various child populations. In addition, the work of Dubow and Ullman (1989) examines the relationship between social support and school adjustment, supporting the usefulness of the SSQC in research and educational practice.