The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ

IntroductionThe field of Educational Psychology (EP) practice is currently shaped by debates on the balance between systematized and situated approaches. This study explores these debates through the lens of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).MethodsUtilizing data from a current rese...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Thomas Szulevicz, Jon Busck Arnfred
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1501080/full
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849721727172476928
author Thomas Szulevicz
Jon Busck Arnfred
author_facet Thomas Szulevicz
Jon Busck Arnfred
author_sort Thomas Szulevicz
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThe field of Educational Psychology (EP) practice is currently shaped by debates on the balance between systematized and situated approaches. This study explores these debates through the lens of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).MethodsUtilizing data from a current research project, the application of the SDQ in EP practice was analyzed. The study involved analyses of SDQ responses and psychoeducational reports and interviews with educational psychologists who used the SDQ in their assessments.ResultsThe findings indicate that the participating educational psychologists were generally satisfied with the use of the SDQ. Additionally, a significant portion of the SDQ responses suggested that many of the examined children exhibited symptoms warranting further investigation for ADHD.DiscussionThe article concludes with a discussion on the dual perspectives regarding the systematic use of the SDQ. On one hand, there are arguments for its systematic application On the other hand, while a standardized use of the SDQ ensures systematic information, the questionnaire also contributes to a specific framing of the issue. It is crucial to recognize that the SDQ, originally developed by a child psychiatrist and not specifically designed for EP practice, frames the understanding of issues in a predominantly psychiatric manner. This can lead to a narrow focus on diagnosing and treating perceived deficiencies, potentially overlooking the broader educational and contextual factors that influence student wellbeing.
format Article
id doaj-art-dd17af4019ea483492fb0950d04f8d71
institution DOAJ
issn 1664-1078
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Psychology
spelling doaj-art-dd17af4019ea483492fb0950d04f8d712025-08-20T03:11:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-02-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15010801501080The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQThomas SzuleviczJon Busck ArnfredIntroductionThe field of Educational Psychology (EP) practice is currently shaped by debates on the balance between systematized and situated approaches. This study explores these debates through the lens of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).MethodsUtilizing data from a current research project, the application of the SDQ in EP practice was analyzed. The study involved analyses of SDQ responses and psychoeducational reports and interviews with educational psychologists who used the SDQ in their assessments.ResultsThe findings indicate that the participating educational psychologists were generally satisfied with the use of the SDQ. Additionally, a significant portion of the SDQ responses suggested that many of the examined children exhibited symptoms warranting further investigation for ADHD.DiscussionThe article concludes with a discussion on the dual perspectives regarding the systematic use of the SDQ. On one hand, there are arguments for its systematic application On the other hand, while a standardized use of the SDQ ensures systematic information, the questionnaire also contributes to a specific framing of the issue. It is crucial to recognize that the SDQ, originally developed by a child psychiatrist and not specifically designed for EP practice, frames the understanding of issues in a predominantly psychiatric manner. This can lead to a narrow focus on diagnosing and treating perceived deficiencies, potentially overlooking the broader educational and contextual factors that influence student wellbeing.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1501080/fulleducational psychology practiceStrengths And Difficulties Questionnairesituated knowledgesystematic knowledgeassessmentnormative validity
spellingShingle Thomas Szulevicz
Jon Busck Arnfred
The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
Frontiers in Psychology
educational psychology practice
Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire
situated knowledge
systematic knowledge
assessment
normative validity
title The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
title_full The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
title_fullStr The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
title_full_unstemmed The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
title_short The quest for systematization in educational psychology practice—the case of SDQ
title_sort quest for systematization in educational psychology practice the case of sdq
topic educational psychology practice
Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire
situated knowledge
systematic knowledge
assessment
normative validity
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1501080/full
work_keys_str_mv AT thomasszulevicz thequestforsystematizationineducationalpsychologypracticethecaseofsdq
AT jonbusckarnfred thequestforsystematizationineducationalpsychologypracticethecaseofsdq
AT thomasszulevicz questforsystematizationineducationalpsychologypracticethecaseofsdq
AT jonbusckarnfred questforsystematizationineducationalpsychologypracticethecaseofsdq