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Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS)

MPC252N- Psychological Assessment

Submitted by-
Vanshika Choudhary 23223241

Department of Psychology, Christ University- Delhi NCR

Master's of Science in Counselling Psychology

Submitted to-
Prof. Saswati Bhattacharya

26th February, 2024

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Introduction

Historical Background

The Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) was originally devised by E.A. Doll in 1935

and later constructed by Edgar Arnold Doll. This scale measures social maturity or competence

in individuals from infancy to adulthood, contributing significantly to the evaluation of adaptive

behaviour leading to personal independence and social responsibility. Adaptations of the test for

the Indian context were introduced by A.J. Malin in 1965 and Bharath Raj in 1992, with the latter

version featuring 89 items and assessing children aged 0 to 15. Utilised to assess a child's health,

growth, and developmental patterns, the VSMS evaluates the child's ability to perform specified

tasks, indicating their capability for self-care and overall competence. Additionally, the scale

identifies social deficits and assets, providing estimates of Social Age (SA) and Social Quotient

(SQ) with intelligence. SQ gauges the child's compatibility with the surrounding environment

and society.

VSMS evaluates various skills in children across areas such as Self-Help General,
Self-Help Eating, Self-Help Dressing, Self-Direction, Occupation, Communication, Locomotion,

and Socialization. Each area measures social maturation, encompassing abilities

from general activities to social skills formation.

The theoretical background of VSMS is rooted in Thorndike's (1920) definition of social

intelligence, emphasizing understanding others and behaving wisely in interpersonal relations.

Social intelligence, essential for forming relationships and functioning in society, incorporates

emotional intelligence, as suggested by Daniel Goleman. Karl Albrecht's model further

categorises social intelligence into Situational Awareness, Presence, Authenticity, Clarity, and

Empathy, highlighting crucial aspects for meaningful connections with others.

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In primary and secondary education, life skills could mean hygiene, basic literacy, and numeracy

Skills.

Social Age: It is a numerical scale unit expressing how mature a person is in terms of his/

her interpersonal skills and ability to fulfil the norms and expectations associated with particular

social roles, as compared to others of the same chronological age. SA is similar to mental age and
is derived from ratings gathered from individuals or in the case of young children, from parents

or caregivers using instruments such as VSMS.

Social Quotient: It indicates how a child is compatible with the environment and society

in his/her society. The age of 7 to 8 years is the most crucial age to make kids to be smarter

Socially.

SQ = (SA/CA)×100

SQ= Social Quotient

SA= Social Age
CA= Chronological Age

Domains

Self-Help General (SHG)- This domain indicates a child’s ability to engage in general
self-help activities including food preparation, hygiene, basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Self Help Dressing (SHD)- This domain indicates a child’s ability to cleanse themselves
as well as dress himself/herself.

Self Help Eating (SHE)- This category indicates a child’s ability to consume food
themselves.

Self Direction (SD)- The period of adolescence is specifically characterized by the desire
for social freedom in personal conduct. This expresses itself in a gradual breaking away from
authority, which is followed in early childhood by an assumption of responsibility and authority
for others.

Locomotion (LOC)- Refers to the social movements associated with social

responsibilities such as going to neighborhoods or school. Locomotion is hind limb-dominated
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with the centre of gravity of the body located closer to the hindlimbs, such that the typical
walking gait follows a diagonal sequence (forefoot precedes hindfoot on each side).

Occupation (OCC)- This category includes the concentration of playful activities during
infancy mainly involving self-exploratory tasks and working for and with others.

Communication (COM)- This is related to the social use of language, literacy and other
means of communication and how these help individuals to adapt better.

Socialization/ Social Skills (SC): It includes social skills like initiation of mixing
socially with others. The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.

Description

Name- Vineland Social Maturity Scale Indian Adaptation

Author - J. Bharth Raj

Edgar Arnold Doll (1935) constructed the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. The items
were arranged in order of ‘normal average life age progression’. The total 117 items were

arranged in increasing order of difficulty. It was meant to measure maturation in social

independence or social competence from infant to young adult, i.e. from age ‘0 to 25+’.

Malin in 1965 from Nagpur Child Guidance Centre, adapted VSMS to Indian settings.

The adapted version had only 89 items and was assessed from 0 to 15 years of age. Bharat Raj

in 1992 further extended/modified the VSMS and this version is more similar to the Doll’s in

terms of item description as well as scoring.

Demographic Details

Name- AC
Age- 5 years and 3 months
Gender- Male
Education- entered 1st standard
Respondent- Mother
Family type- Joint
Address- New Delhi
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Date of Testing- 23rd February 2024

Social economic status- Middle class

Administration

The material required for test conduction like test booklet, answer sheet, pencil, and
eraser is kept ready. The subject was informed about the test. A basic conversation about his day
and hobbies was asked. Basic details were taken. The subject was seated comfortably. Consent
was taken and assurance of confidentiality was given.

Instruction

Following instructions were given to the child’s mother ( subject) : “This test is going to
be administered to assess your child’s social quotient. You have to provide basic details like
name, age, sex, and educational qualifications. Your responses and information will be kept
confidential and will not be shared with anyone. If you provide your consent, we can move ahead
with the test. There are 8 domains of the test and the total items in the entire test are 89. I will
ask you a series of questions regarding your child’s development and you can confirm whether
he has attained that milestone or not The administration will take 30-35 minutes. You can leave
the test; in case you find anything uncomfortable. You can ask doubts and your queries at any
given time.
Scoring

Table 1: The subject’s scores on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS)

Measure Scores

Chronological Age 63 months ( 5 years and 3 months)

Social Age 65 months

Social Quotient 103

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Table 2: The Subject’s scores on the eight domains of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale
(VSMS)

Serial No. Social Area SA

1 Self-Help Group ( SHG) 52 months

2 Self Help Eating (SHE) 32 months

3 Self Help Dressing 52 months

4 Self Direction 44 months

5 Occupation 64 months

6 Communication 80 months

7 Locomotion 44 months

8 Socialization 68 months

Interpretation

The scale was administered to 63 -months -old (5-year-and 3 months old) male and the
informant was his mother. Both the mother and the client remained calm and composed during

the entire assessment. The mother provided detailed information about the child’s development.

Based on the mother’s responses, the child’s Social Age (SA) was calculated to be 65 months .

The Social Quotient (SQ) was calculated as being 103. Therefore, it can be inferred that he falls

under the category of above average in social maturity.

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Discussion

The child’s performance in the 8 areas of social maturity is as follows:-

1. Self-Help General- The subject obtained an SA of 52 in this domain. As the subject's

chronological age is 63 months, the child is able to walk, manage himself and help
himself in the toilet.

2. Self-Help Eating - The subjects obtained an SA of 32 in this domain. He is able to assist

himself in eating.

3. Self-Help Dressing- The subject obtained an SA of 52 in this domain. As per the subject’s
CA, he is able to remove his clothes, dress by himself but he is not able button his shirts
and upon exploring it was discovered that the subject was not given an opportunity to do
so.

4. Self-Directional- The subject obtained an SA of 44 in this domain. The subject has

obtained an appropriate level of social age in this domain, corresponding to his age. He is
able to navigate through instructions and help around the house, adding to that subject is
also able to pass time by himself by engaging in activities like coloring and crafting.

5. Occupation- The subject obtained an SA of 64 in this domain. As per his CA, the subject
has reached all the milestones required. He is able to converse properly and is able relate
his experiences. He is also able to drive a tricycle.

6. Communication- The subject obtained an SA of 80 in this domain. As per his CA, the
subject obtained an exceptional level of abilities. He is able to write simple words with
use of a pencil and is able use stairs by himself too.

7. Locomotion- The subject obtained an SA of 44 in this domain. As per his CA of 63

months, he is able to play games but he is not able to go out of his house by himself. Upon
exploring it was found that the subject wants his guardians around if wanting to go out.

8. Socialization- The subject obtained an SA of 68 in this domain, which is exceptional for

his age. Subjects like to play games like football or catching ball with his father and
adding to that also enjoys table games like ludo where he is able to follow rules as well.
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Conclusion

Based on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) assessment of the

5-year- and 3 months old male, it can be inferred that the child is exhibiting an above-average

social age. The overall Social Quotient (SQ) of 103 This implies that the child is likely to

display an above-average social maturity.

There are some levels of improvement in the area like buttoning his own shirt and eating on

his own, where the subject requires opportunity and space to try his skills.

Overall, the child’s social maturity, as reflected in the VSMS scores, paints a positive

picture of of well-adjusted, socially adept individual. The child is likely to navigate daily

social situations with ease, forming meaningful connections with others

and demonstrating a level of social competence that exceeds typical expectations for their

age. Continued support and encouragement in areas of potential improvement,can contribute

to the child’s ongoing social development.

 52
SHGt
32
SME
52
StID

SD
64

80
CoM

LOc

Soc

05 10 I5 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
SA
 VIÑLANDB_sociAL MATURITÝ
iNB0AN ABAPTÁTION
sCLE

NAMEs t CASE NO:

ÁDDRESS DÄTE, OF ÉSTING: 23at
SCORE
i:'i:..!.
SOCIRL QUOTIENT:;

1. Cries/Lsughs
2. Balances head
3. Grasps object within reach
4, Reaches for famillar persons
:

5.. Rolls over (unassisted)

6. Reaches' for nearby objects.
7. Occupies self uFattended
8. Slts unsupported
9. Pulls self upright
10. Talks/imitetes sounds
11, .prinks from cup or glass assisted
-12., Möves about on flöor (creepinglcrawling)
13. Graaps with thumb and finger
14. .Demand_ petsonal ättention
15. Stands alone
16. Does hot drool
17. Follovis simple instYuctions

AGE LEVEL I- II YEAR

18. Walks about room
unattended
19. Marks with pencil or crayon .

20: Masticates (chews) solid or semi-solld food

21. Removes shoes or, sandles, pulls off socks

SWAYAMSIDDHA PRAKASHAN, -720, 16th Main. S. Puram, Mysore-9.

 22. Trensfeftt8 4
23. Overoomes simple 4.
24. Fetches or carrlea familiar objoots
25. Drinks from cup or glass unassisted
<26Wàlks or uses go-cart for walking
27. Plays-with.own-hends
28. Eats with own hends. :)
29. Goes abqst house, qt yarc
30. Discriminätes sdjble substances fram non-edibles
.

31. Uses namss of fathlar objects

32. Walks up-stairs unassisted
33. Unwraps sweets. chocolates
34. Talks in short sentences

AGG LEVEL II- MYEAR

36. Asks go to tollet
36. Initiates own play actlvities
37, Removes shirt or frock
38. Eats with spoon
39. Drinks (water) unasslsted
40. Dries owh hends
41. Avoids simple hazards ; .:
!
42. Putson shlrt or frock
43 -Can do paper
unassisted(need no.buttop,
folding
44 Relats experiences

AGE bEVEL NÊ - IV YEAR :4:.:.3

45. Walks downstalrs, one step at a
46. Plays co-operatively timetavt
at Kindergarten level
4)s
47.. Buttons
shirt or frock V
48. Helps at little
49. 'Performs for household'
others
tasks
50. Washes hands unaided
 AGE LEVÉL IV-V YEARir* £39 124 7
51. Cares for self at tollet
52, Washes facoe unassisted y:, i'y.*
53. Goes about neighbourhood unattenged. g.;i
54. Dresses self except for tying or buttoning i* j
55. Uses pencil or crayon for drawing
56. Plays competitive exercises, games

AGE LEVEL V- VI YEAR

iri
57. Uses hoops. flies kites, rldes trieui
58. Prints (writes) simple words
59. Plays simple table games , i
B0. Is trssted with money
61. Goss to _chool unattended "rá# a.s,s3iiF

62. .Mixes rice 'properly' unassisted t

83: Uses' pencil for writing
64. Bathes self assisted
65. Goes to bed unassisted L

AGE LEVEL VII- VÊII YEAR

66. Tells time to quarter'hour A
67. Helps himself during meals
68. Refuses-to belleve In imagle and fairv'tetä: :, **
69. Partlicipates in pre-adolescept s
pläy . gi t:
70. Coombs or.brushès halr tt*t:"eyteni, *
 71. Usos tools ot utens)ls
72. Doos routihe househola tasks
73. Reads oñ own initiat)ve
74. Batho '5elf undided

75: Caras for salt at table (msåls)

. 76. Makes minor
i :.. ,
Goes aii h purchases
"
7, home fréely

78. wites öccasionai short lettérs io friënds"

79. Mäkes indepeFdet.choice of ehops
80:Does sma<l, remynetatlve work; makes articles
81. Answers ads';'writes letters foz infarmatton:

AGE LEVÈL
82. Doe[ simple creative work
83. Is left to care for:self or others
B4, Enjoys. roadtng bpdks,
newspapers, magazine's

ÁGE LEVEL Xn-kë YEAR

85. Plays difficult gaimes
86. Exerclses complétë care of
drèss
87. Buys own clothing aoçessorles
88. Engagos in adolescent group
89. .Portorms responsible routlne actviles
thores
 SCALE-NORMS FORPROFILE
VINELAND SOCIAL MATURITY
ANALYSIS

COM LOC SOC

SHG SHE SHD SD 0CC
Marrity Months
Levels
(Years)

89
XV 180 87
168 84 85
86
156

83 82
XIl 144
140
136

R0 81
XI 132 79
128 78
J24

X 120
. 77
116 76
75 74
112

108
70 72 73
104
100
70X 71

VI 96 69
92 68
67 65
88 66 X
64
VIJ 6
80 61
76 62

VI 72 $9
68 60
57 58 S6
64

60 54 55
56 52
SI 50 $3
52

(Contd...... )

221
 IV 48 49
48
44
47 44 L 46
40

42
36 96
41 39 40
32
28 35 38 37

33
34
24.0 24 31 32
21.6 26 30
22 29 27
19.2 23. -28 19 17 18
25 21
10.8
20
14.4

12.0 15
14
10.5 13
16
A 10 12
-9.0
8 11
7,5
6
;6.0
4.5.
3.0
15 2

'SHG- Self HelpGeneral3

SHE- Self HelpEating %2
SHD- Self Help Dressing 5
SD: Self-Direction V
OcC- Occuption 64
COM- Communication
LOC- Locomotiony/
SOC- Socialization
68

222
 VINELAND SOCIAL MATURITY SCALE
ANSWER AND SCORING SHEET

39. 6.0 months 68. 7.2 months

0-1 Year 69. 9.6 months
40. 7.2 months
41. 8.4 months 70. 12.0months
1. 0,7 months 42. 9.6 months
2 14 months 8 Years
43. 10.8 months
3. 2.1 months
44. 12.0 months
4. 2.8 months. -71. 3 months
S. 3.5 months 72. 6 months
6. 42 months 3 Year
73. 9 months
7. 4.9,months 74. 12 months
8. 5.6 months 45. 2 months
46. 4 months
9. 6.3 months
47. 6 months 9 Yeats
10. 7.0 months
11. 7.7 months 48. 8 months
49. 10 months 75.4months
12, 8.4 months 76. 8 months
13. 9.1 months "S0. 12 months
77. 12 months
14. 9.8 months
1S. 10.6 months 4 Year
16. 113 months 10 years
17. 12,0 months S1. 2 mo'ths
52. 4 months 78. 3 months
53. 6 months 79, 6 months
1 Year 54. 8 months 80. 9 months
55. 10 months 81. 12 months
18. 0.7 months
19. 1.4 months 56. 12 months
20. 2.Imonths 11Years
21. 2.8 months 5 Year
22. 3.5 montbs 82, 4 months
23. 4.2 months $7. 1.4months 83.8 months
24. 4.9 months S8, 4.8 months 84. 12 months
25. 5.6 months 59. 72 months
26. 6.3 months 60. 9.6 months 12 Years
27. 7.0 months 61: 12.0 months
28. 7.7 months 85. 7.2 months
29. 84 months 6 Years 86. 14.4 months
30. 92 months 87. 21.6 months
31. 9.9 months 62. 3 months 88. 28.8 months
32. 10.6 months 63. 6 months 89. 36.0 months
33. 11.3 months 64. 9 months
34. 12.0 months 65. 12 months

2 Year 7 Years
35. 12 months 66. 2:4 months SA 65
36. 2.4 months 67. 4.8 nonths
37. 3.6 months
38. 4.8 months

223