The Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS
VSMS Scale: Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS; Doll, 1935, 1953) is one of the widely
used psychological assessment tools in the Indian Subcontinent. It is mainly used to assess
social and adaptive functions or social competency. The VSMS was originally deviced by EA
Doll in 1935 and has proved itself to be uniquely useful instrument in measuring Social
Maturity and Social competence. Dr. A.J. Malin adapted the Vineland Social Maturity Scale
(VSMS) to the Indian setting in 1965. Bharat Raj further modified the scale in 1992.
Thorndike identified three types of intelligence: Abstract, Social, and Mechanical. Individuals
vary in these intelligences, but social intelligence, linked to social adaptability, plays a crucial
role in life. Those with low social intelligence may struggle in daily affairs despite excelling
in other areas. Tools measuring Social Age and Social Quotient also highlight social deficits
and assets, aiding social skills training for children, particularly those with developmental
delays, to enhance self-sufficiency.
Age Criteria: The Indian adaptation of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) is used
to assess children aged 0-15 years. Abilities through direct observation and supplement it by
interviewing the mother.
Procedure of Administration: The assessment is conducted in a semi-structured, informal
setting, with the mother present for the child’s security but not participating. Social
characteristics are appraised based on observation and supplementary information from the
mother. Full or half credits are assigned based on evidence of the child’s social behaviors. A
basal social age is determined, and scoring includes full and half credits to calculate the
child’s Social Age.
The Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) evaluates social competence across the
following 8 domains:
1. Self-help General: Measures overall independence in daily life activities, such as
managing personal needs without assistance.
2. Self-help Eating: Assesses the ability to eat independently, including using utensils
and following mealtime routines.
3. Self-help Dressing: Focuses on dressing skills, such as putting on clothes, fastening
buttons, and tying shoelaces.
4. Locomotion: Evaluates physical mobility and movement, including walking,
climbing, and coordination.
5. Communication: Assesses both expressive and receptive language abilities, such as
understanding instructions and verbalizing needs.
6. Socialization: Examines interaction with peers, forming relationships, and
appropriate social behaviors.
7. Occupation: Involves the ability to engage in tasks, responsibilities, and purposeful
activities suitable for the child’s age.
8. Self-direction: Measures the capacity for decision-making, problem-solving, and
managing one’s own activities and behavior.
Scoring for VSMS Indian Scale:
Credits Assignment:
Full credit (1 point) is given if the child demonstrates the behavior described in the item.
Half credit (0.5 points) is assigned if the behavior is partially observed or based on
supplementary information from the caregiver.
No credit (0 points) is given if the behavior is not observed or reported.
Scoring Process:
Items are evaluated through observation or caregiver input.
Marks (e.g., "+" for present, "-" for absent) are recorded beside each item.
Calculating Social Age:
The total score is calculated by summing the full and half credits.
If the score reaches the last item of an age level, the child is assigned the Social Age for that
level.
For intermediate scores, Social Age is estimated proportionally.
Social Quotient (SQ):
SQ is derived by dividing the Social Age by the child’s chronological age and multiplying by
100.
Formula: Social Age
S.Q. = ––––––––––––––– x 100
Actual Age
Interpretation:
Higher SQ indicates better social maturity.
Results help identify social strengths and deficits, guiding interventions.
Few Examples from the scales
The Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) for India has 89 items starting birth until 15
years of age
LEVEL 0-1 YEAR
1. Cries/laughs
6. Reaches for nearby objects
7. Occupies Self unattended
14. Demands personal attention
16. Does not drool
17. Follows Simple Instructions
1) Item 1 for birth until 12 months means the infant Vocalizes inarticulately (other than
crying or fretting). Spontaneously gurgles or coos. Laughs spontaneously or when
stimulated.
6) Item 6 for birth until 12 months means that infant attempts to obtain objects nearby but
beyond reach.
7) Item 7 for birth until 12 months means that infant plays with rattle or simple objects,
for quarter hour or longer without need of attention.
14) Item 14 for birth until 12 months means that infant indicates desire to be ‘talked to or
beyond mere handling, or care for physical needs
16) Item 16 for birth until 12 months means infant has established control of saliva so that
require wiping except when eating.
17) Item 17 for birth until 12 months means infant Comes when called; points to
particular objects in pictures when asked; in general cooperates on verbal request in
every simple activities.
