The Mood and Feelings Questionnaire

The Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) is a popular tool used by psychologists to measure emotional well-being, particularly in children and adolescents. It helps to identify feelings of sadness, anxiety, and other emotional issues that might need attention. Let’s explore this questionnaire in a friendly and easy-to-understand way!

What is the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire?

The MFQ is a simple set of questions that ask individuals about their feelings over the past two weeks. It aims to assess mood and emotional states, focusing on symptoms of depression and anxiety. The questions are designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for young people.

Why is the MFQ Important?

• Early Detection: It helps in identifying emotional problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Guidance for Therapy: Therapists can use the results to tailor treatment plans.
• Progress Tracking: It helps in tracking changes in a person’s mood over time.

Types of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire

There are different versions of the MFQ tailored to various age groups:

1. MFQ for Children (ages 8-12)

• This version uses simpler language and focuses on feelings that children can easily relate to.

2. MFQ for Adolescents (ages 13-18)

• A bit more complex, this version addresses issues more relevant to teens, such as peer pressure and identity.

Structure of the MFQ

The MFQ typically consists of 33 items asking respondents to rate how they felt on a scale from 0 (not true) to 2 (true). Here are some example questions:

• I felt sad or miserable.
• I found it hard to enjoy my usual activities.
• I felt like I was a failure.

Steps to Use the MFQ

Using the MFQ is quite simple. Here’s how the process usually goes:

1. Gather the Respondents: Ensure you have the participant in a comfortable setting.
2. Explain the Purpose: Let them know that the questionnaire is a tool to help understand their feelings better.
3. Administer the Questionnaire: Hand them the questionnaire and give them time to answer.
4. Score the Responses: After completion, score the questionnaire to interpret the results. Higher scores may indicate a higher level of emotional distress.
5. Follow-Up: Based on the results, consider discussing their feelings or seeking further help if necessary.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say a teacher notices that a student, Alex, has been quieter than usual and often seems sad. The teacher decides to use the MFQ to gauge Alex’s emotional state. After Alex fills out the questionnaire, it reveals a higher score indicating feelings of sadness and lack of interest in activities he used to enjoy. This prompts the teacher to have a supportive conversation with Alex and suggest speaking with a school counselor.

Comparison with Other Tools

While the MFQ is effective, there are other tools available for assessing emotional well-being, such as:

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): More complex and suitable for older adolescents and adults.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7): Focused specifically on anxiety symptoms.

Each tool has its strengths and is chosen based on the age and specific needs of the individual being assessed.

Conclusion

The Mood and Feelings Questionnaire is a valuable resource for assessing emotional health in young people. By regularly using tools like the MFQ, parents, educators, and mental health professionals can help identify and address emotional issues early on, leading to better support and outcomes for those in need.