Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for DSM-5 (CPSS-5)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the mean alpha coefficients of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS-5) and examine the moderator role of trauma type and study location. We included studies using the CPSS-5 and reporting a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Our analysis of 27 studies (k = 31) revealed a mean alpha coefficient of .91 for the CPSS-5. Mean internal consistency scores for trauma type ranged from .87 to .95. Additionally, studies conducted in North America yielded significantly higher mean alpha scores (M_α = .94) than international studies (M_α = .87). The CPSS-5 demonstrated reliable measurements across studies, ranging from good to excellent. Trauma type and location (or version of the CPSS-5) may be related to the reliability scores. Individual study characteristics should be considered, and reliability scores should be calculated for individual studies for the suitability of alpha scores for clinical decision-making.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT

Evidence-based approaches to treating PTSD among children and adolescents often include use of self-report assessment data. The average reliability of scores on the CPSS-5 tend to be excellent overall but differences associated with study locations and trauma types suggest the need for careful use based on test taker characteristics.

Keywords:

• PTSD
• CPSS-5
• the child PTSD symptom scale
• reliability generalization
• meta-analysis

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figure 2. Forest plot of the CPSS-5-SR.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abdulkadir Haktanir

Abdulkadir Haktanir, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Kean University. His research interests include DBT, trauma, suicide prevention, and assessment in mental health.

A. Stephen Lenz

A. Stephen Lenz, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M University - San Antonio who specializes in community mental health promotion and participatory approaches to community development. His scholarly interests include outcome research and program evaluation, measurement development and evaluation, and holistic approaches to student and workforce development.

M. Furkan Kurnaz

M. Furkan Kurnaz, Ph.D. Candidate, is a Research Assistant in Psychological Counseling and Guidance at Necmettin Erbakan University. His research interests include pathological technology use, CBT, and the mental health of children and adolescents.