Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Statements: | 28 |
| Duration: | 3–5 minutes |
| Type: | Self-assessment |
| Publishing year: | 2024 |
| Instructions: | The self-assessment test is categorized into two parts, the first part consists of 16 questions related to experiences and events before the age of 18, and the second part consists of 12 statements related to behavior and emotional experiences. Based on 5 point Likert scale, for each statement, indicate your level of agreement. |
Childhood trauma test is available in the following languages:
This self-assessment test is the digital adaptation of Deenz Childhood Trauma Scale (DCTS-28). [1] Introducing the Deenz Childhood Trauma Scale (DCTS-28) Your participation in this test is completely anonymous. We do not ask or collect your personal information, nor do we store your results. Your results are stored in session storage, which means when you finish your browsing session, your results get automatically deleted. We adhere to the IARC Ethics guidelines.
Exposure to childhood trauma is often linked to the development of various mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, etc. [2] Terr LC. Childhood traumas: An outline and overview. Focus. 2003 Jul;1(3):322-34. One thing to remember is that everyone who might have experienced traumatic events in the period of childhood does not develop a mental health condition. Still, it may have somewhat impacted the individual’s physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences.
Over the years, researchers have recognized the need to develop a modern and standardized scale that can accurately measure childhood traumatic events and their impact on individuals overall wellbeing. [3] Danese, A., 2020. Annual Research Review: Rethinking childhood trauma‐new research directions for measurement, study design and analytical strategies. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 61(3), pp.236-250. This recognition led to the development of DCTS-28. While there are some valid questionnaires and inventories available, these may be considered outdated by current standards; we can call them traditional scales. One of the popular traditional self-assessment scale is the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). It is a 70-item questionnaire developed by Bernstein in 1994, which tries to measure various subscales of childhood trauma.
DCTS-28 not only measures the different aspects of childhood trauma, such as Emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and behavioral impact, but it also tries to assess the current impact of the traumatic events on individuals’ mental health and well-being.
The purpose of developing the scale was to measure childhood trauma and its impact on psychological and overall well-being. In a study, 240 college students were asked to participate in the DCTS-28 scale, with 97 female students and 143 male students. The average student age was 21 to 25. The results of the scale were found to be accurate in measuring what it intended to measure. You can read the complete manuscript for information on validity, reliability, and internal consistencies.
Distressing events whether it may be parental neglect or emotional trauma are experienced in early childhood and these events have a deep impact on one’s social, psychological, and physical well-being. [4] Evans, S.E., Davies, C. and DiLillo, D., 2008. Exposure to domestic violence: A meta-analysis of child and adolescent outcomes. Aggression and violent behavior, 13(2), pp.131-140. These events can range from physical abuse to domestic violence and they may have lasting effects on various aspects of individual lives. Understanding these past experiences can help address issues related to social and mental health . This scale is provided free of cost and can be used as a self-assessment or can be demonstrated by a mental health professionals. A mental health professional can gain insights into your childhood traumatic events which can be beneficial to make a better plan for diagnosis and treatment. While this self-assessment proves to be beneficial in understanding the impact and exposure to childhood traumatic events, please remember that this computerized quiz should be used for educational purposes only. If you have any feedback, suggestion please contact me or any query related to the use of this self-assessment please consult our terms of use
References
Dar, D. M. (2024). Introducing the Deenz Childhood Trauma Scale (DCTS-28): Validating a Comprehensive Measure for Assessing Childhood Trauma Experiences. PsychArchives. https://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.14225 ↩
Terr, Lenore C. “Childhood traumas: An outline and overview.” Focus 1.3 (2003): 322-334. https://doi.org/10.1176/foc.1.3.322 ↩
Danese, A. (2020). Annual Research Review: Rethinking childhood trauma-new research directions for measurement, study design and analytical strategies. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 236-250. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13160 ↩
Evans, S. E., Davies, C., & DiLillo, D. (2008). Exposure to domestic violence: A meta-analysis of child and adolescent outcomes. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 13(2), 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2008.02.005 ↩
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