Purpose: This study was conducted to identify and describe the instruments that have been used to measure social competence in pediatric brain tumor patients and to summarize the psychometric properties of the most common instruments used to measure social competence in pediatric brain tumor patients.
Methods: The following psychometric properties were assessed: (a) construct validity; (b) internal consistency reliability; (c) test retest and inter-rater reliability; and (d) responsiveness. Measures were evaluated based on published criteria for psychometric suitability.
Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria for the current review. Based on review of these studies, the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) yielded the most comprehensive data on psychometric properties. Psychometric properties for the SSRS were considered to be adequate in a pediatric brain tumor population. Specifically, the SSRS meets criteria for construct validity, internal consistency and responsiveness. Other commonly used measures included the CBCL/YSR, the PedsQL4.0 and the Revised Class Play each with sufficient psychometric properties.
Conclusions: The SSRS is an appropriate tool to measure social competence in pediatric brain tumor patients. Data for inter-rater reliability and responsiveness in this population is still lacking.