EQ Assessment for Conduct Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
The EQ-40 is a brief, 40-item self- or parent-report questionnaire that measures empathy levels—the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. Developed by Cambridge scientists, it quickly flags children who struggle to improve
How EQ Relates to Conduct Disorder Symptoms
Research shows that low empathy is a core marker of Conduct Disorder. A low EQ score often accompanies:
- Aggression toward people or animals
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules At Cadabam’s CDC, we pair EQ results with behavioural observations to confirm or rule out Conduct Disorder diagnosis.
Key Emotional-Behavioural Markers Assessed
| Marker | Sample Item | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Affective empathy | “I find it hard to know when someone is sad.” | Difficulty feeling others’ emotions |
| Cognitive empathy | “I can easily tell if someone wants to join a conversation.” | Perspective-taking weakness |
| Prosocial response | “I try to comfort people who are upset.” | Intention to help others |
Signs Your Child May Need an EQ Evaluation
Red-Flag Behaviours Indicating Low Empathy
- Laughs when others get hurt
- Blames victims (“It’s their fault”)
- Shows no guilt after misbehaving
Age of Onset and Severity Indicators
- Early onset (before age 10) predicts more persistent problems
- Severe rule-breaking at school or home warrants immediate testing
When to Seek Professional Assessment
Contact Cadabam’s CDC if your child:
- Has been suspended or expelled
- Displays cruelty to pets
- Ignores consequences repeatedly
Our Step-by-Step EQ Assessment Process
1. Initial Emotional-Behavioural Screening
A child psychologist meets parents for a 30-minute intake covering:
- Developmental history
- Current behavioural concerns
- School reports
2. Administering the EQ-40 Test
- Child-friendly version for ages 7–16
- Parent and teacher versions for cross-validation
- Takes 10–15 minutes in a quiet playroom
3. Clinical Observation & Parent-Teacher Input
- Standardised play tasks to observe empathy in action
- Checklists sent to teachers for classroom behaviour
- Parent interview to rule out other disorders
4. Scoring & Interpretation Guidelines
We use Indian-normed percentiles:
- Score ≤ 30 = Empathy deficit
- Score 31–45 = Average
- Score ≥ 46 = High empathy
Psychometric Strengths of the EQ-40
Reliability & Validity Data
- Internal consistency α = 0.85
- Test-retest reliability r = 0.81 (4-week interval)
- Validated against clinician-rated empathy (r = −0.68)
Norms for Indian Pediatric Population
Our database includes 1,200+ children across metro and tier-2 cities, ensuring scores reflect local cultural norms.
Comparison with Other Empathy Measures
| Scale | Items | Time | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQ-40 | 40 | 10–15 min | 7–16 yrs |
| Griffith Empathy Measure | 23 | 20 min | 6–12 yrs |
| Interpersonal Reactivity Index | 28 | 15 min | 12+ yrs |
Interpreting EQ Scores for Conduct Disorder
Low, Average, High Empathy Ranges
- Low (0–30): High likelihood of Conduct Disorder; therapy focus on empathy training
- Average (31–45): Monitor behaviour; may benefit from social-skills coaching
- High (46–60): Unlikely to have Conduct Disorder; explore other diagnoses
Linking Scores to Treatment Planning
| EQ Score | Recommended Cadabam’s Services |
|---|---|
| 0–20 | Intensive Behaviour Therapy + Parent Training |
| 21–30 | Weekly Social-Skills Group |
| 31–45 | School consultation as needed |
Next Steps After Results
- Detailed report within 48 hours
- Parent feedback session to set goals
- Referral for therapy or school accommodations
Benefits of Choosing Cadabam’s CDC
Multidisciplinary Child Expertise
- Child psychiatrists, psychologists, and special educators under one roof
- Over 30 years of experience in Conduct Disorder treatment
Parent Training & School Collaboration
- 8-session Positive Parenting Program
- On-site teacher workshops to implement classroom empathy activities
Proven Outcomes & Success Stories
- 78 % reduction in aggressive incidents after 6 months of therapy
- Case study: 9-year-old improved EQ score from 22 to 45 with our empathy module