Child and Adolescent Mentalization Scale (CAMS)

The Child and Adolescent Mentalization Scale (CAMS) is a tool used to assess a young person's ability to understand their own thoughts and feelings, as well as those of others. Mentalization involves recognizing that others have emotions, intentions, and beliefs different from our own. The CAMS helps clinicians and researchers evaluate how well children and adolescents can "read" social situations and empathize. This understanding is crucial for emotional regulation, social skills, and overall mental health. By measuring mentalization, CAMS can aid in identifying needs and tailoring interventions for better developmental outcomes.