PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS-I)

The PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS-I) first published in 1993, is a semi-structured 17-item interview aiding in assessing the presence and severity of DSM-IV PTSD symptoms. The symptoms would be related to an identified traumatic event in an individual with a known trauma history. Any trained individual can administer the scale and it takes 15 to 25 minutes to complete. Each item on the scale is assessed with a brief question, there are no follow up questions.

request a consultation

Discover How We Assist to Edit Your Dissertation Chapters

Aligning theoretical framework, gathering articles, synthesizing gaps, articulating a clear methodology and data plan, and writing about the theoretical and practical implications of your research are part of our comprehensive dissertation editing services.

  • Bring dissertation editing expertise to chapters 1-5 in timely manner.
  • Track all changes, then work with you to bring about scholarly writing.
  • Ongoing support to address committee feedback, reducing revisions.

Author

Edna B. Foa

To Access this Instrument

PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS-I) Interview

Reliability and Validity

The PSS-I has been validated for two different time intervals, those being the “past 2 weeks” and the “past month.” Inter-rater reliability for PTSD diagnosis (k=0.91) and overall severity (r=0.97) are both excellent. The time needed for assessing PTSD with the PSS-I scale is short without sacrificing reliability or validity.

Administration, Analysis and Reporting

Statistics Solutions consists of a team of professional methodologists and statisticians that can assist the student or professional researcher in administering the survey instrument, collecting the data, conducting the analyses and explaining the results.

For additional information on these services, click here.

References

Alvarez-Conrad, Jennifer, Foa, Edna B.; & Zoellner, Lori, A. (2001). Linguistic Predictors of Trauma Pathology and Physical Health.

Foa, Edna B. & Tolin, David F. (2000). Comparison of the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale.

Hobfoll, Stevan E.; Johnson, Robert J.; & Vranceanu, Ana-Maria. (2007). Child Multi-Type Maltreatment and Associated Depression and PTSD symptoms: The Role of Social Support and Stress.