Table 1.
Summary of items measuring each mental health and well-being domain assessed within the Middle Childhood Survey (MCS) and, for each item, the number of children providing data (of the 27 808 who commenced the survey) and the distributions of the three response options
| MCS domain (and source measure) | Item | Sample | Not True | Somewhat True | Certainly True | |||
| (n) | % | (n) | % | (n) | % | (n) | ||
| Social Integration (QSL) | My school is a place where… | |||||||
| … I learn to get along with other people | 26 859 | 3.0 | (806) | 26.8 | (7189) | 70.2 | (18 864) | |
| … Other students accept me as I am | 26 856 | 6.6 | (1769) | 32.6 | (8760) | 60.8 | (16 327) | |
| … People trust me | 26 856 | 4.1 | (1100) | 34.0 | (9136) | 61.9 | (16 620) | |
| … I am popular with other students | 26 856 | 17.0 | (4574) | 45.1 | (12 123) | 37.8 | (10 159) | |
| … I know people think a lot of me | 26 856 | 20.1 | (5393) | 50.5 | (13 566) | 29.4 | (7897) | |
| … I get on well with the other students in my class | 26 855 | 3.4 | (920) | 33.3 | (8933) | 63.3 | (17 002) | |
| … People can depend on me | 26 854 | 5.1 | (1380) | 35.5 | (9542) | 59.3 | (15 932) | |
| … Other students are very friendly | 26 854 | 4.8 | (1281) | 37.5 | (10 075) | 57.7 | (15 498) | |
| Prosocial Behaviours (SDQ) | I try to be nice to other people. I care about their feelings | 27 494 | 1.3 | (359) | 22.6 | (6224) | 76.1 | (20 911) |
| I usually share with others (eg, CDs, games, food) | 27 486 | 7.9 | (2180) | 45.9 | (12 609) | 46.2 | (12 697) | |
| I am helpful if someone is hurt, upset or feeling ill | 27 482 | 2.6 | (728) | 29.7 | (8174) | 67.6 | (18 580) | |
| I am kind to younger children | 27 478 | 2.1 | (583) | 15.2 | (4177) | 82.7 | (22 718) | |
| I often volunteer to help others (parents, teachers, children) | 27 474 | 6.0 | (1653) | 44.0 | (12 096) | 50.0 | (13 725) | |
| Peer Relationship Problems (SDQ) | I would rather be alone than with people of my age | 27 484 | 71.6 | (19 667) | 20.6 | (5650) | 7.9 | (2167) |
| I have one good friend or more (R) | 27 480 | 2.0 | (544) | 7.6 | (2077) | 90.5 | (24 859) | |
| Other people my age generally like me (R) | 27 480 | 6.4 | (1745) | 42.1 | (11 576) | 51.5 | (14 159) | |
| Other children or young people pick on me or bully me | 27 477 | 66.9 | (18 387) | 23.7 | (6517) | 9.4 | (2573) | |
| I get along better with adults than with people my own age | 27 474 | 52.8 | (14 518) | 36.7 | (10 075) | 10.5 | (2 881) | |
| Supportive Home Relationships (HKS/MDI) | In my home, there is a parent or another adult … | |||||||
| … who listens to me when I have something to say | 26 924 | 4.4 | (1181) | 30.3 | (8147) | 65.4 | (17 596) | |
| … who I can talk to about my problems | 26 922 | 8.2 | (2212) | 24.3 | (6553) | 67.4 | (18 157) | |
| … who wants me to do my best | 26 928 | 1.6 | (435) | 12.0 | (3220) | 86.4 | (23 273) | |
| … who believes that I will be a success | 26 922 | 3.4 | (906) | 20.0 | (5382) | 76.6 | (20 634) | |
| Supportive School Relationships (HKS/MDI) | At my school, there is a teacher or another adult… | |||||||
| … who really cares about me | 26 918 | 7.1 | (1920) | 34.4 | (9265) | 58.4 | (15 733) | |
| … who listens to me when I have something to say | 26 916 | 5.7 | (1528) | 31.5 | (8466) | 62.9 | (16 922) | |
| … who believes that I will be a success | 26 917 | 5.7 | (1536) | 32.8 | (8831) | 61.5 | (16 550) | |
| … who tells me when I've done a good job | 26 915 | 3.8 | (1017) | 23.0 | (6177) | 73.3 | (19 721) | |
| Supportive Community Relationships (HKS/MDI) | In my neighbourhood/community (NOT from your school or family), there is an adult… | |||||||
| … who really cares about me | 26 910 | 19.0 | (5101) | 35.5 | (9540) | 45.6 | (12 269) | |
| … who listens to me when I have something to say | 26 910 | 20.5 | (5522) | 37.2 | (10 005) | 42.3 | (11 383) | |
| … who believes that I will be a success | 26 909 | 20.4 | (5477) | 35.9 | (9673) | 43.7 | (11 759) | |
| … who tells me when I've done a good job | 26 909 | 19.3 | (5186) | 30.9 | (8308) | 49.9 | (13 415) | |
| Empathy (FTI) | I want to help people who get treated badly | 27 117 | 3.5 | (957) | 27.7 | (7500) | 68.8 | (18 660) |
| I often feel worried about people that are not as lucky as me, and feel sorry for them | 27 113 | 5.3 | (1425) | 34.4 | (9337) | 60.3 | (16 351) | |
| I sometimes try to understand my friends better by pretending I am them† | 27 111 | 40.6 | (11 003) | 39.1 | (10 591) | 20.3 | (5517) | |
| I think people can have different opinions about the same thing | 27 108 | 2.1 | (567) | 21.8 | (5919) | 76.1 | (20 622) | |
| Emotional Symptoms (SDQ) | I get a lot of headaches, stomach-aches or sickness | 27 489 | 56.6 | (15 552) | 33.0 | (9075) | 10.4 | (2862) |
| I worry a lot | 27 484 | 40.4 | (11 097) | 41.1 | (11 304) | 18.5 | (5083) | |
| I am often unhappy, depressed or tearful | 27 480 | 72.8 | (20 017) | 21.2 | (5817) | 6.0 | (1646) | |
| I am nervous in new situations. I easily lose confidence | 27 479 | 36.9 | (10 128) | 44.4 | (12 191) | 18.8 | (5160) | |
| I have many fears, I am easily scared | 27 473 | 56.5 | (15 517) | 32.0 | (8803) | 11.5 | (3153) | |
| Conduct Problems (SDQ) | I get very angry and often lose my temper | 27 485 | 62.1 | (17 079) | 26.7 | (7350) | 11.1 | (3056) |
| I usually do as I am told (R) | 27 484 | 3.1 | (863) | 43.7 | (12 011) | 53.2 | (14 610) | |
| I fight a lot. I can make other people do what I want | 27 480 | 83.3 | (22 896) | 14.0 | (3846) | 2.7 | (738) | |
| I am often accused of lying or cheating | 27 478 | 62.6 | (17 207) | 26.5 | (7278) | 10.9 | (2993) | |
| I take things that are not mine from home, school or elsewhere | 27 474 | 88.3 | (24 267) | 9.6 | (2636) | 2.1 | (571) | |
| Aggression (EATQ-R) | If I get mad at someone, I might hit them* | 27 484 | 65.6 | (18 020) | 25.4 | (6975) | 9.1 | (2489) |
| When I am angry, I throw or break things | 27 472 | 79.8 | (21 916) | 14.6 | (4022) | 5.6 | (1534) | |
| Attention (EATQ-R) | I pay close attention when someone asks me to do something* | 27 165 | 4.2 | (1133) | 46.3 | (12 588) | 49.5 | (13 444) |
| It is easy for me to really concentrate on homework problems | 27 144 | 18.3 | (4969) | 47.4 | (12 854) | 34.3 | (9321) | |
| When trying to study, I have difficulty tuning out background noise and concentrating (R) | 27 120 | 26.3 | (7146) | 45.2 | (12 260) | 28.4 | (7714) | |
| Inhibitory Control (EATQ-R) | When I am excited, it’s hard for me to wait my turn to speak* (R) | 27 162 | 25.7 | (6970) | 44.2 | (11 993) | 30.2 | (8199) |
| When someone tells me to stop doing something, it is easy for me to stop‡ | 27 157 | 9.4 | (2540) | 47.6 | (12 926) | 43.0 | (11 691) | |
| I often say the first thing that comes to mind* (R) | 27 155 | 24.3 | (6586) | 52.0 | (14 118) | 23.8 | (6451) | |
| It’s hard for me not to open presents before I’m supposed to (R) | 27 149 | 43.6 | (11 827) | 30.6 | (8302) | 25.9 | (7020) | |
| When I am having a good time I find it hard to go home* (R) | 27 144 | 14.6 | (3955) | 33.5 | (9086) | 52.0 | (14 103) | |
| I often call out answers before the teacher calls my name* (R) | 27 133 | 54.8 | (14 873) | 33.4 | (9059) | 11.8 | (3201) | |
| The more I try to stop myself from doing something I shouldn’t, the more likely I am to do it (R) | 27 127 | 51.4 | (13 938) | 36.8 | (9994) | 11.8 | (3195) | |
| Hyperactivity/Inattention (SDQ) | I am restless, I cannot stay still for long | 27 490 | 32.8 | (9024) | 41.2 | (11 317) | 26.0 | (7149) |
| I am constantly fidgeting or squirming | 27 481 | 52.7 | (14 478) | 34.0 | (9335) | 13.3 | (3668) | |
| I am easily distracted, I find it difficult to concentrate | 27 479 | 39.5 | (10 846) | 42.5 | (11 676) | 18.0 | (4957) | |
| I think before I do things (R) | 27 474 | 7.6 | (2087) | 52.7 | (14 466) | 39.8 | (10 921) | |
| I finish the work I'm doing. My attention is good (R) | 27 472 | 5.9 | (1610) | 48.2 | (13 232) | 46.0 | (12 630) | |
| Perceptual Sensitivity (EATQ-R) | I am very aware of noises | 27 157 | 11.0 | (2988) | 40.8 | (11 071) | 48.2 | (13 098) |
| I notice even little changes taking place around me, like lights getting brighter in a room | 27 153 | 14.2 | (3853) | 39.4 | (10 696) | 46.4 | (12 604) | |
| I tend to notice little changes that other people do not notice | 27 140 | 13.0 | (3533) | 49.2 | (13 360) | 37.8 | (10 247) | |
| I can tell if another person is angry by their expression | 27 138 | 2.9 | (774) | 28.2 | (7644) | 69.0 | (18 720) | |
| Psychotic-Like Experiences (PLEQ-C) | Have you ever… | |||||||
| … believed that other people could read your thoughts?* | 27 000 | 54.2 | (14 642) | 33.5 | (9048) | 12.3 | (3310) | |
| … believed that you were being sent special messages through the television? | 26 993 | 69.5 | (18 773) | 22.0 | (5947) | 8.4 | (2273) | |
| … thought that you were being followed or spied on? | 26 992 | 43.0 | (11 601) | 34.2 | (9229) | 22.8 | (6162) | |
| … heard voices that other people could not hear? | 26 990 | 42.9 | (11 567) | 30.5 | (8227) | 26.7 | (7196) | |
| … felt that you were under the control of some special power? | 26 990 | 70.4 | (19 012) | 19.3 | (5221) | 10.2 | (2757) | |
| … known what another person was thinking even though that person wasn't speaking? | 26 983 | 42.0 | (11 345) | 38.3 | (10 330) | 19.7 | (5308) | |
| … felt as though your body had been changed in some way that you could not understand? | 26 976 | 55.2 | (14 879) | 30.7 | (8290) | 14.1 | (3807) | |
| … felt that you had special powers that other people don't have?* | 26 976 | 62.0 | (16 732) | 23.4 | (6314) | 14.6 | (3930) | |
| … seen something or someone that other people could not see? | 26 976 | 48.0 | (12 949) | 27.8 | (7489) | 24.2 | (6538) | |
| Agreeableness (BFQ-C) | I am friendly to others in my school* | 27 735 | 0.7 | (185) | 22.5 | (6238) | 76.8 | (21 312) |
| I forgive others when they do something wrong* | 27 734 | 3.2 | (898) | 38.3 | (10 619) | 58.5 | (16 217) | |
| I am kind even to people I don’t like* | 27 422 | 10.4 | (2853) | 49.6 | (13 615) | 39.9 | (10 954) | |
| I think other people are good and honest | 27 416 | 4.9 | (1354) | 55.7 | (15 269) | 39.4 | (10 793) | |
| I like to let other people use my things* | 27 415 | 7.7 | (2121) | 49.7 | (13 614) | 42.6 | (11 680) | |
| Conscientiousness (BFQ-C) | I check my work to make sure it is right* | 27 734 | 7.6 | (2118) | 48.3 | (13 395) | 44.1 | (12 221) |
| I like to be on time* | 27 733 | 4.7 | (1301) | 29.0 | (8051) | 66.3 | (18 381) | |
| I keep my room neat and tidy* | 27 427 | 16.8 | (4596) | 49.1 | (13 476) | 34.1 | (9355) | |
| I like to keep my things in order* | 27 426 | 11.5 | (3153) | 40.7 | (11 151) | 47.8 | (13 122) | |
| I am messy* (R) | 27 421 | 49.6 | (13 591) | 39.0 | (10 687) | 11.5 | (3143) | |
| Neuroticism (BFQ-C) | I get nervous about many things* | 27 734 | 24.0 | (6649) | 53.7 | (14 895) | 22.3 | (6190) |
| I have bad moods* | 27 734 | 24.0 | (6662) | 51.1 | (14 177) | 24.9 | (6895) | |
| I get angry easily* | 27 734 | 51.6 | (14 314) | 34.1 | (9446) | 14.3 | (3974) | |
| I get upset easily* | 27 733 | 54.6 | (15 134) | 34.2 | (9473) | 11.3 | (3126) | |
| I cry a lot* | 27 733 | 75.4 | (20 901) | 19.7 | (5469) | 4.9 | (1363) | |
| Extraversion (BFQ-C) | I am happy and active* | 27 735 | 1.0 | (289) | 25.2 | (6999) | 73.7 | (20 447) |
| I like to be with other people* | 27 734 | 2.0 | (556) | 20.8 | (5772) | 77.2 | (21 406) | |
| I like to talk with others | 27 428 | 1.6 | (443) | 19.5 | (5358) | 78.9 | (21 627) | |
| I make friends easily* | 27 419 | 8.5 | (2325) | 38.0 | (10 426) | 53.5 | (14 668) | |
| I am a shy person* (R) | 27 419 | 47.1 | (12 928) | 39.0 | (10 696) | 13.8 | (3795) | |
| Intellect/Openness (BFQ-C) | I easily learn my school work* | 27 735 | 4.2 | (1171) | 51.1 | (14 177) | 44.7 | (12 387) |
| I know many things | 27 735 | 3.3 | (919) | 46.2 | (12 812) | 50.5 | (14 004) | |
| I know the answers to questions my teacher asks* | 27 734 | 3.3 | (907) | 71.4 | (19 808) | 25.3 | (7019) | |
| I understand my school work* | 27 733 | 2.7 | (762) | 45.4 | (12 588) | 51.9 | (14 383) | |
| I like learning new things | 27 415 | 3.2 | (865) | 26.3 | (7223) | 70.5 | (19 327) | |
| Self-esteem (MSLSS) | There are lots of things I can do well | 27 174 | 2.3 | (629) | 32.1 | (8726) | 65.6 | (17 819) |
| I like myself | 27 171 | 6.0 | (1622) | 28.5 | (7745) | 65.5 | (17 804) | |
| I am a nice person | 27 169 | 1.4 | (369) | 29.6 | (8033) | 69.1 | (18 767) | |
| Daytime Sleepiness (PDSS) | I fall asleep or get drowsy during class* | 27 106 | 59.5 | (16 120) | 30.4 | (8248) | 10.1 | (2738) |
| I am tired and grumpy during the day* | 27 105 | 65.8 | (17 833) | 28.6 | (7754) | 5.6 | (1518) | |
| I am usually alert most of the day* (R) | 27 104 | 9.1 | (2475) | 45.3 | (12 282) | 45.6 | (12 347) | |
| Connection to Nature (CTNI/CTNS) | When I feel sad, I like to go outside and enjoy nature | 27 103 | 19.8 | (5361) | 41.9 | (11 345) | 38.4 | (10 397) |
| Being in nature makes me feel peaceful* | 27 102 | 10.1 | (2729) | 38.1 | (10 335) | 51.8 | (14 038) | |
| I feel strongly connected with nature* | 27 101 | 21.5 | (5825) | 45.0 | (12 207) | 33.5 | (9069) | |
R denotes an item that was subsequently reversed in the computation of domain scores.
*Denotes item with minor wording change from original scale.
†Denotes item removed from the modified Empathy scale (three items).
‡Denotes item reassigned from the modified Inhibitory Control (items) to the modified Attention scale (items).
QSL, Quality of School Life; BFQ-C, short form of the Big Five Questionnaire for Children; CTNI/CTNS, Connection to Nature Index/Connectedness to Nature Scale; EATQ-R, Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire—Revised; FTI, Feeling and Thinking Index; HKS/MDI, Healthy Kids Scale/Middle Years Development Index; MSLSS, Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale; PDSS, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale; PLEQ-C, Psychotic-Like Experiences Questionnaire for Children; SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.