Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ)
The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is a 13-item open-access (free) child self-report scale screening depressive symptoms over the past two weeks in children and adolescents aged 6–17. The child answers the questions directly and the result is computed automatically. A validated Turkish version exists.
- Questions
- 13
- Est. time
- ~5 min
- Delivery
- Online · remote
- Scoring
- Automatic
What does the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) measure?
- •Depressed mood and unhappiness
- •Loss of interest/pleasure, tiredness and worthlessness
- •Loneliness, self-criticism and negative self-perception
Who is it for?
Used to screen and monitor depressive symptoms in children and adolescents aged 6–17. Being open-access, it can be administered directly to the client; the result is for screening and is not a diagnosis.
How is the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) scored and interpreted?
Each item is scored 0 (not true), 1 (sometimes true) or 2 (true); the total ranges from 0 to 26. A score of 8 or above is the commonly used screening cutoff for possible depression.
| Score range | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0–7 | Below threshold | Depressive symptoms are below the screening threshold. |
| 8–13 | Possible depression | ≥8 cutoff: possible depression; clinical evaluation is recommended. |
| 14–26 | High | Marked symptoms; priority evaluation is recommended. |
Frequently asked questions
How many items does the SMFQ have?
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It has 13 items, each scored 0–2, with a total from 0 to 26.
Is the SMFQ free?
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Yes. The SMFQ is an open-access, free screening scale and can be freely administered in clinical use.
Does the SMFQ provide a diagnosis?
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No. This is a screening/assessment tool; it does not provide a clinical diagnosis on its own. Results should be interpreted only by a licensed mental-health professional as part of a clinical evaluation.
Related scales
- Children's Depression Inventory (CDI)A 27-item self-report scale assessing depressive symptoms in children and adolescents aged 7–17.
- Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale — Short (RCADS-25)A 25-item short form screening anxiety and low mood in children aged 8–18.
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)A 25-item scale screening emotional and behavioural difficulties across 5 subscales in children aged 4–17.
Source: Angold, A., Costello, E. J., et al. (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire); Turkish adaptation study.
This page is informational and does not contain the actual questions. The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is a screening/assessment tool and does not provide a diagnosis on its own. Results should be interpreted only by a licensed mental-health professional as part of a clinical evaluation.
Administer the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) to your clients
With Psikometri, assign this scale remotely via a single link; results are scored automatically and turned into a report. No credit card required.
- ✓Automatic scoring and severity band
- ✓One-click, branded PDF reports
- ✓KVKK-compliant, encrypted and secure