Psychology RootsTable of Contents
Social Dysfunction Rating Scale
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Social Dysfunction Rating Scale”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Social Dysfunction Rating Scale
Scale Name
Social Dysfunction Rating Scale
Author Details
Margaret W. Linn
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Social Dysfunction Rating Scale (SDRS), developed by Margaret W. Linn in 1969, is a 21-item clinician-rated semistructured interview designed to assess negative aspects of social adjustment, primarily for elderly populations, though applicable to other groups. Published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (1969), the SDRS conceptualizes social dysfunction as maladaptive coping with personal, interpersonal, or environmental challenges, marked by low morale, discontent, and reduced social participation. It focuses on symptoms rather than positive adjustment, avoiding specific role-based assessments to suit diverse elderly populations. The scale covers three domains: Self-Image (4 items, e.g., self-esteem), Interpersonal Relationships (6 items, e.g., social isolation), and Social Situations (11 items, e.g., dissatisfaction, lack of success).
Administered by a trained interviewer (e.g., social worker, therapist) familiar with the patient, the SDRS combines interviewer observations with patient self-evaluations. Each item is rated on a 6-point severity scale (1 = none, 6 = severe), with higher scores indicating greater dysfunction. For example, self-health concern is rated based on the frequency and severity of physical complaints, regardless of organic basis. The interview takes ~30 minutes. The SDRS was validated with 80 respondents (mean age ≈ 60–80 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based, schizophrenic outpatients and nonpsychiatric controls), achieving 92% classification accuracy via discriminant analysis and correlating with global adjustment ratings (r = 0.89). It is used in clinical psychology, geriatrics, and psychiatric research to assess social dysfunction. Access requires permission from Journal of Psychosomatic Research or the author.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the SDRS from Linn et al. (1969) or Journal of Psychosomatic Research, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (elderly adults 60+ or other populations) that the scale assesses social and emotional difficulties, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 21-item semistructured interview in clinical or research settings by a trained clinician, combining patient self-reports and interviewer observations, rating severity over the past month.
- Estimated completion time is ~30 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health or geriatric resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language, hearing assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The SDRS demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Linn et al., 1969). Inter-rater reliability for 21 items (N = 40) shows intraclass correlations of 0.54–0.86. Agreement among seven raters for 10 schizophrenic patients yields a Kendall concordance index of 0.91. Internal consistency is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.70–0.80) based on scale structure. Discriminant validity is supported by 92% correct classification of schizophrenic outpatients vs. nonpsychiatric controls (N = 80) using discriminant function analysis.
Convergent validity is evidenced by a correlation of 0.89 with a social worker’s global adjustment rating. Factor analysis (N not specified) supports the three domains (self-image, interpersonal, social situations), though specific loadings are not detailed. The SDRS detects dysfunction in elderly and psychiatric populations. Pairing with the Geriatric Depression Scale or Katz Adjustment Scales enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
21-Items
Reference
Linn, M. W., Sculthorpe, W. B., Evje, M., Slater, P. H., & Goodman, S. P. (1969). A social dysfunction rating scale. Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Social Dysfunction Rating Scale measure?
It measures negative aspects of social adjustment, including self-image, interpersonal relationships, and social dissatisfaction.
Who is the target population?
Primarily elderly adults (60+), but applicable to other psychiatric populations.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 30 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses social dysfunction to guide psychiatric and geriatric interventions.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
Share With Us
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.
