PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER CHECKLIST FOR DSM-5 IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a widely-used assessment tool to assess PTSD. To date, there is no published study that has validated the use of the PCL-5 in Singapore, nor assessed how the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD should be adapted for local use. The present study examined the reliability, structural validity as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the PCL-5 in a local sample. Psychometric analyses were conducted among Singaporean university students (N = 208). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) demonstrated little support for adequate fit of four-factor DSM-V model. Instead, CFA demonstrated adequate fit for the six-factor Anhedonia model and seven-factor Hybrid model. Non-nested model comparison support the seven-factor Hybrid model as the best fitting model. However, the four-factor DSM-V model demonstrated more favourable internal consistency for PCL-5 subscales. Convergent and discriminant validity of PCL-5 was evidenced using a wide range of measures. Overall, this study evidenced promising psychometric qualities of the PCL-5 for use in Singapore and provided preliminary insights into local responses to trauma. Future research is needed to confirm the results of this study especially using a local, clinical sample.