NCJ Number
223040
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 89-99
Date Published
2008
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the performance of the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) to correctly classify the presence or absence of posttraumatic disorder (PTSD).
Abstract
Results indicated that the TSCYC scales (PTS-Intrusion, PTS-Avoidance, PTS-Arousal, Sexual Concerns, Dissociation and Anger/Aggression) had 100 percent specificity and 73 percent sensitivity. The 11 PTSD-positive participants scored significantly higher than the 23 PTSD-negative participants on scales assessing intrusive symptoms, arousal symptoms, and total posttraumatic stress. While acceptable levels of sensitivity vary depending upon a number of circumstances, the findings suggest that the TSCYC may be used as an effective screening device for PTSD among children; it performs well while being more economical and efficient than a structured interview and might expedite the development of appropriate treatment interventions. Future research should consist of a larger, more ethnically diverse samples drawn from both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. Data were collected from 34 children, ages 4 to 12, 25 were White, 8 were African-American, and 1 Asian-American referred for outpatient treatment. Tables, references