Scale Overview
The CSAP’s National Youth Survey – Social Disorganization Scale (SDS) was developed by Delbert S. Elliot, David Huizinga, & Suzanne S. Ageton (1985). It is designed to measure Social Disorganization. The scale is intended for use with Adolescents and youth.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 5 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Never, 2 = A few times a year, 3 = A few times a month, 4 = Once or twice a week, 5 = Almost every day.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 5 to 25. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Social Integration (High Disorganization): 5 – 11
- Moderate Social Integration: 12 – 18
- High Social Integration (Low Disorganization): 19 – 25
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 2 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.