[The Essen Trauma-Inventory for children and adolescents (ETI-CA)]

Abstract

Objective: In light of the clinical and scientific relevance of traumatic events and posttraumatic disorders our study aimed to develop and validate the Essen Trauma-Inventory for Children and Adolescents (ETI-CA). The new instrument should assess various aspects of traumatic events and both posttraumatic disorders, namely Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder according to the criteria provided in DSM-IV.

Method: ETI-CA was administered to a sample consisting of 276 children and adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years with regard to psychometric properties on clinical and non-clinical groups.

Results: The ETI-CA subscales as well as the total score proved to have high internal consistency. The 4-factorial structure (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal, dissociation) was in line with the theoretical assumptions. Associations between ETI-CA and other trauma instruments as well as instruments for psychological distress and protective factors provided empirical evidence for the construct validity of ETI-CA.

Conclusions: In German-speaking regions, the ETI-CA represents the first economic, reliable and valid screening instrument that assesses exposure to a broad range of potential traumatic events as well as posttraumatic disorders. The ETI-CA can be recommended for use in research as well as in clinical settings.