Development and Validation of a Culturally Sensitive Screening Tool for Childhood Depression in India

Childhood depression in India remains critically under-identified, particularly due to the absence of culturally sensitive screening tools suited to younger age groups. This study developed and validated a screening tool for detecting depressive symptoms in children aged 6 to 12 years, specifically tailored to Indian cultural contexts. The tool, developed through a three-phase process, was tested with 150 children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Psychometric evaluations revealed strong internal consistency (α = 0.87) and reliability (r = 0.82), with the tool distinguishing between behavioral and emotional symptoms of depression. Findings indicated that 40% of children exhibited varying degrees of emotional distress, highlighting the tool’s utility for early identification. This culturally relevant scale offers a practical resource for educators, caregivers, and health professionals to address childhood depression before it escalates, marking a step toward improved early intervention and mental health care in India.