European Journal of Psychotraumatology (Nov 2023)

Psychometric properties of the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder scale: replication and extension in two German-speaking samples

  • Sarah K. Danböck,
  • Sabrina E. Hettegger,
  • Sofia Anders,
  • Laila K. Franke,
  • Michael Liedlgruber,
  • Stephan F. Miedl,
  • Arlinda Gashi,
  • Anton Kurapov,
  • Rainer-Christian Weber,
  • Thomas Ehring,
  • Frank H. Wilhelm

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2238492
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 2

Abstract

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Background: The fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD). To assess this subtype, the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Scale (DSPS), a 15-item self-report measure to identify lifetime and current dissociative symptoms of D-PTSD, was developed. However, so far, the scale has only been validated in war veterans. Moreover, criterion validity and diagnostic utility have not been examined yet. Objective: We aimed to validate the DSPS in two samples of civilian trauma-exposed German-speaking participants. Methods: In Study 1, a pre-registered online study, participants with and without PTSD symptoms (N = 558) answered questionnaires about traumatic experiences, dissociation, PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, alcohol use disorder, absorption, and dissociative responding to trauma-related questionnaires. In Study 2, which used secondary data of a pre-registered clinical study, participants with a PTSD diagnosis (N = 71) answered questionnaires about traumatic experiences, dissociation, PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and dissociative responding to standardized trauma exposure. Moreover, PTSD, D-PTSD, and other diagnoses were assessed with structured clinical interviews. Results: Analyses confirmed a three-factor structure as well as high internal consistency, and high convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity of the DSPS. Moreover, the scale was able to identify a latent D-PTSD group and individuals with D-PTSD diagnosis. Conclusions: The DSPS constitutes a reliable and valid tool to assess D-PTSD symptoms in clinical practice and research and thereby may contribute to a better understanding of these debilitating symptoms.

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