Assessment and screening tools for trauma in children and adolescents: a review

Abstract

The need for thorough and accurate assessment of trauma in the lives of children and adolescents has become extremely important for the implementation of appropriate interventions. This article reviews 35 measures, 25 in depth and 10 in brief, that are currently available for use by researchers and practitioners. Instruments were divided into four domains: those that screen for (1) both a history of exposure to traumatic events and the presence of symptoms of trauma; (2) only a history of exposure; (3) symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Dissociations; and (4) multiple symptoms of trauma (i.e. depressions, anger, sexual concerns, as well as PTSD). Information about the type of instrument, how trauma is constructed, psychometric properties, and practical issues are addressed for each of the 25 measures. A brief analysis is also provided for each measure.