Abstract
In Hungary there is no standardized tool to screen early social-emotional difficulties. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional Second Edition for 18-month-olds (ASQ:SE-2/18). Two studies were conducted. Study 1 involved translation, cultural adaptation, and validation in a convenient sample (N = 423). Study 2 used a nationally representative sample (N = 4918) to evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency, predictive validity and socioeconomic and demographic correlates. Study 1 supported the cultural adequacy of the Hungarian ASQ:SE-2/18, and a comparison with the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 provided evidence for its validity. In Study 2, the two-factor model, consisting of Emotional Difficulty (α = .74) and Social Difficulty (α = .69), fit better than the single-factor model and showed acceptable internal consistency. Being at risk for social (odds ratio = 1.7) or emotional (odds ratio = 3.6) development at 18 months predicted socio-emotional difficulties at age 3 assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Socioeconomic disadvantages were correlated with higher levels of social-emotional risk. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the reliability of the Hungarian ASQ:SE-2/18 and offered evidence supporting its validity. Emotional difficulties at 18 months strongly predict later maladjustment, emphasizing the need for early screening and further tool development.