Description
The PCL-S is a 17-item self-report measure covering the 17 DSM-IV symptoms of PTSD. It is a version of the PCL-C that asks about a specific, identified "stressful experience" (as opposed to stressful experiences in general, as in the PCL-C).
Special Instructions
The patient should answer the questions with respect to the trauma they experienced, not as an indicator of the general distress they might be feeling.
Scores Produced
- Total (17-85)
- B Items (0-5)
- C Items (0-7)
- D Items (0-5)
Interpretation
It is a positive screen if all of the following are true:
- B Items score is greater than or equal to 1, AND
- C Items score is greater than or equal to 3, AND
- D Items score is greater than or equal to 2, AND
- Total meets or exceeds an established cut-off (see 2nd reference)
References
Blanchard, E. B., Jones-Alexander, J., Buckley, T. C., & Forneris, C. A. (1996). Psychometric properties of the PTSD checklist (PCL). Behavioral Research & Therapy, 34, 669-673. Retrieved from: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/assessments/assessment-pdf/PCL-handout.pdf
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