Posttraumatic anger: a confirmatory factor analysis of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale-5 (DAR-5)–French adaptation

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that posttraumatic anger is common after a traumatic experience, represents a risk factor for post-trauma psychopathology, and can be screened for using the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale-5 (DAR-5), a concise five-item measure. However, a French version of the DAR-5 is not yet available. Objective: We aimed to provide a French adaptation (DAR-5-F) and to replicate, in a French community sample, the psychometric properties of the original DAR-5. Method: After translation using transcultural psychometric principles, the DAR-5-F was presented to 822 fluent French speakers alongside validated scales of anger (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), alcohol misuse (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption), and trauma exposure (Life Events Checklist-5). Results: Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that DAR-5-F scores fit a single-factor model as described with the English version of the scale. The scale showed noteworthy internal consistency and robust convergent validity with trait anger. The screening DAR-5-F cut-off of ≥12 successfully differentiated high from low scores of STAXI-2, anxiety, depression, and traumatic exposure. Conclusions: The DAR-5 is a robust, psychometrically strong brief scale of anger useful for post-trauma screening, with the DAR-5-F now available for use in French-speaking populations. Future research that examines relationships between the DAR-5-F and variables such as trauma severity and posttraumatic stress symptoms will further improve our understanding of these phenomena.