Child PTSD Symptom Scale

Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) is a psychological assessment tool primarily used to measure the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children aged 8-18 years. It was developed by Edna B. Foa, a renowned psychologist and PTSD researcher, and her colleagues in 2001. The CPSS is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for PTSD.

Overview

The CPSS is a 24-item self-report measure that assesses PTSD symptoms and their impact on a child's daily life. The scale is divided into three parts: the first part assesses the frequency of 17 PTSD symptoms, the second part assesses the severity of these symptoms, and the third part assesses the impairment caused by these symptoms in various areas of functioning.

Scoring

Each item on the CPSS is rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (5 or more times a week/very much). The total score ranges from 0 to 51, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms. A score of 15 or above is considered indicative of a probable PTSD diagnosis.

Reliability and Validity

The CPSS has demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal consistency, as well as good concurrent validity with other measures of PTSD in children. It has been used in various cultural contexts and has been translated into several languages.

Limitations

While the CPSS is a valuable tool for assessing PTSD symptoms in children, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive clinical assessment. It should be used in conjunction with other assessment tools and clinical judgment.

See Also

• Trauma and children
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychological trauma
• Childhood trauma