Validating the TeenHITSS to Assess Child Abuse in Adolescent Populations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish the psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy of the Teen Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream-Sex (TeenHITSS), a 5-item measure used to screen adolescents for family violence in clinical settings. Methods: Study participants included 251 adolescent participants (n=197 not at-risk subsample; n=56 at-risk subsample), recruited from ambulatory care clinics, a medical center at-risk referral clinic, and area shelters. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey, including the TeenHITSS and Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales (CTSPC) questionnaires. We calculated internal reliability, validity, and sensitivity and specificity for the full sample and both subsamples for each screening instrument. Results: Concurrent validity between the TeenHITSS and CTSPC was strong (r=.71, P