Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report (PSS-SR)

Objective: The PTSD Symptom-Self Report Scale (PSS-SR) is a widely used psychometric instrument in studies for assessing post-traumatic symptoms. In this study, we our aim was to address the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the PSS-SR by assessing the validity of the original three-factor structure of the scale as well as concurrent validity and reliability. Methods: Participants were 596 college students and 20 patients with PTSD experienced earthquake in Van and consequently applied to psychiatry clinic seek for treatment. 64.61 percent of the subjects were females (n=398). Mean age of the participants was 21.81 +/- 2.78. In the study, subjects were administered the PSS-SR, Impact of Event Scale (EIS-R), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Validity of the original three-factor structure of the PSS-SR was assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis. Correlations between scores of the instrument and other psychological variables were calculated. Internal consistency and 15-day test-retest reliability of the instrument were assessed. Results: Findings obtained with confirmatory factor analysis replicated the validity of the original three-factor structure. Significant linkages of total and subscale scores of the PSS-SR to other psychological variables provided additional evidence for construct validity of the instrument. Internal consistency for total scale was 0.90 and for subscales ranged between 0.72-0.82. 15-day temporal stability coefficient for total scale was 0.66. Conclusion: The Turkish translation of the PSS-SR has adequate validity and reliability. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2012;13:125-130)