Dimensions of Stressful Events Rating Scale (DOSE)

Fletcher, 1996

Description

The DOSE is a 50-item clinician-administered scale that identifies characteristics specific to the child's stressful/traumatic events. There are 26 items assessing aspects of the stressful event and 24 items specific to sexual abuse. Items are in either a "yes/no," frequency, or a checklist format. It is suggested by the author of the scale that the DOSE be used as an adjunct to other PTSD scales. It is possible to score the DOSE, but no established scoring method or norms are available.

Sample Items

Who were the direct victims of the stressful event(s)? [check all that apply]:
_____Siblings
_____Other child relatives
_____Other children the child knows well from outside the family
_____Other children the child does not know well from outside the family
_____One or both of the child's guardians
_____The child
_____Other adult relatives
_____Adult mentors
_____Other adults the child knows well
_____Other adults the child does not know well
_____A pet of the child or family
_____Other (specify)

Did the child view the event as a threat to his or her safety or well-being?

References

Fletcher, K. (1996). Psychometric review of Dimensions of Stressful Events (DOSE) Ratings Scale. In B. H. Stamm (Ed.), Measurement of stress, trauma, and adaptation (pp. 144-151). Lutherville, MD: Sidran Press.

To Obtain Scale

Kenneth E. Fletcher, PhD
Department of Psychiatry
University of Massachusetts Medical Center
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655-0001
Phone: (508) 856-3329
Email: Kenneth.Fletcher@umassmed.edu

NOTE: Complete measure available in the journal article.

Measures availability: Information on measures is available to everyone. However, the assessment tools themselves can only be distributed to qualified mental health professionals and researchers. We maintain measures developed by affiliated staff of the National Center for PTSD.