Cited by 946Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchPsychometric Methodologies and TestingAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Synthesis of the psychometric properties of the PTSD checklist (PCL) military, civilian, and specific versions

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Wilkins, Kendall C., Lang, Ariel J., Norman, Sonya B.·2011·Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

The posttraumatic stress disorder checklist is a commonly used measure, with military (PCL-M), civilian (PCL-C), and specific trauma (PCL-S) versions. This synthesis of the psychometric properties of all three versions found the PCL to be a well-validated measure. The PCL shows good temporal stability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. The majority of structural validity studies support four factor models. Little is available on discriminant validity and sensitivity to change. Strengths, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. Understanding the PCL's psychometric properties, strengths (e.g., items map on to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria), and limitations (e.g., may overestimate PTSD prevalence) will help clinicians and researchers make educated decisions regarding the appropriate use of this measure in their particular setting.

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Authors
Wilkins, K. C., Lang, A. J., & Norman, S. B.
Affiliations
San Diego State University (US)
Corresponding author
Norman, Sonya B.
Venue
Depression and Anxiety
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2011-06-16
Volume
28
Issue
7
Pages
596-606
ISSN
1091-4269 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1973367937
Cited by
946
References
77
Citations by year
2026: 32 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 51 · 2023: 57 · 2022: 74 · 2021: 82 · 2020: 85 · 2019: 89 · 2018: 90 · 2017: 83 · 2016: 83 · 2015: 78 · 2014: 55 · 2013: 36 · 2012: 17
FWCI
37.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Depression and Anxiety (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K23AA015707, NIAAA T32, AA015707, AA 013525, F31AA018909, F31 AA 18909-01A1, T32AA013525)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
PTSD Checklist, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychometric properties, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity, factor structure, sensitivity to change, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria
MeSH terms
Adult, Combat Disorders, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Military Personnel, Psychometrics, Reference Values, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Veterans, Reproducibility of Results, Checklist

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