Brief Description
The Child Dissociative Checklist (CDC) is a 20-item parent/caregiver assessment designed to identify dissociative behaviors in children aged 6 to 15. The tool asks the respondent about the presence of dissociative symptoms in their child now or over the past 12 months. The checklist assesses a wide range of behaviors, including imaginary friends, mood swings, memory lapses, identity shifts, and episodes of "spaciness." The CDC is frequently used in clinical settings to help screen for dissociative tendencies and monitor treatment progress over time.
Assessment Administration Type
Parent/Caregiver Report
Number of questions
20
Age Range for Administration
6-15
Recommended Frequency of Administration
The CDC measure suggests yearly administration; however, more frequent use to track progress in clinical settings is appropriate.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
Responses are provided on a 3-point scale: "Very true" (2), "Sometimes true" (1), or "Not true" (0). Scoring the CDC involves summing the ratings for each of the 20 items, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores suggest more pronounced dissociative behavior, with a score of 12 or above indicating the potential for sustained pathological dissociation. However, a high score alone does not confirm a diagnosis, as dissociative symptoms can vary widely.
Blueprint Adjustments
N/A
Clinical Considerations
Estimated time for completion: 5-10 minutes
Nondissociative children tend to have their scores increase by 1-3 points over the first few completions due to the tool bringing minor dissociative behaviors to their attention.
The CDC is not meant to be used as the sole diagnostic tool when assessing dissociative disorders in children. It should be used as part of a broader diagnostic process, including a face-to-face interview with a trained clinician.
The respondent's familiarity with the child and their ability to witness dissociative behaviors can impact the results. Careful consideration is needed when interpreting scores.
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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