Abstract

Introduction: Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) is an important instrument for assessments in children. The purpose of this study was to standardize the SSRS for preschool children in Shiraz.
Method: After the scale was translated and adapted into Persian, 700 boys and girls 3 to 6.5 years of age were rated by parents and teachers using the SSRS forms for preschool children. The scores�were converted into standardized scores with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 points. Tables were prepared for conversion of raw scores to standard scores. Validity of the scale was tested�using different measures. Construct validity was confirmed by factor analysis. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and correlation coefficient.
Results: No significant difference was found based on age and parents’ education, i.e. the scaled was not biased towards any age or socioeconomic groups. Reliability of the scales was satisfactory�using different methods. Factor analysis also proved its validity. The difference between mean scores of boys and girls in social skills and behavior problems was not significant.
Conclusion: The standardized scores of this scale provide a comparison of social skills among different age groups of preschool children.