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Validation of the purdue post‐traumatic stress scale on a sample of Vietnam veterans
Author(s) -
Hendrix Charles C.,
Anelli Lisa M.,
Gibbs Jinnifer P.,
Fournier David G.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.2490070211
Subject(s) - cronbach's alpha , traumatic stress , psychology , construct validity , clinical psychology , distress , arousal , scale (ratio) , test validity , psychometrics , psychiatry , social psychology , physics , quantum mechanics
The Purdue Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Scale is a 15‐item self‐report instrument based on the DSM‐III diagnostic criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder. This scale is a quick easily administered, measure of psychological reactions to a traumatic event. The goal of the present report is to validate this instrument for use as a measure of long‐lasting combat stress reactions of American Vietnam veterans. The PPS demonstrated a high degree of internal consistency with a Cronbach's coefficient alpha of 0.94. The PPS demonstrated construct validity through significant correlations with other self‐report measures of combat experience and residual psychological distress, and through a factor analysis yielding three factors, labeled as arousal, avoidance, and the global perception of distress. Results support further use of the Purdue Post‐traumatic Stress Scale as a research instrument for assessing the long‐term impact of a traumatic event.