The Psychometric Properties of the International Trauma Questionnaire in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder was often present after chronic traumatic events. The diagnostic criteria of complex post-traumatic disorder consisted of both post-traumatic stress disorder and disturbance in self-organization. People with complex post-traumatic disorder often exposed to chronic stress. It might not be as significant as the major traumatic event as survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder had experienced. Therefore, the impact of complex post-traumatic stress disorder was often ignored. It is critical to identify the at-risk individuals with complex post-traumatic disorder in community. We planned to investigate the psychometrics of the International Trauma Questionnaire for assessing complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in Taiwan. Methods: One hundred twenty-one individuals were enrolled and they completed 8 self-report scales, including International Trauma Questionnaire, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Chinese version of the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Interpersonal Relationship Scale. The psychometric of International Trauma Questionnaire was examined by bivariate correlation analysis, independent t-test, and factor analysis. Results: The study showed International Trauma Questionnaire had good reliability and validity and corresponded with previous studies. The result of confirmatory factor analysis supported the structure of complex post-traumatic stress disorder criteria in International Classification of Diseases-11. The 2-factor second-order model was the best-fitting model. The 6 symptom domains of complex post-traumatic stress disorder were also significantly correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: It suggests that the Chinese version of International Trauma Questionnaire could be used for screening at-risk groups and future works for mental public health in Taiwan.