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PTSD: National Center for PTSD

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Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2)

 

Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2)

Briere, 2011

Description

The TSI-2 is a 136-item adult self-report measure of posttraumatic stress and other psychological sequelae of traumatic and stressful events. It was updated in 2011 from the original 100-item TSI and designed to assess sequelae of a wide range of adversities, including DSM-5 trauma but also stressful experiences such as emotional neglect and experiences of loss. The TSI-2 assesses PTSD symptoms but also broader psychological outcomes. Symptom responses are not tied to a particular event or timespan. Respondents are asked to rate how often each symptom has happened to them in the past 6 months. Items are rated on a 4-point frequency scale ranging from 0 ("never") to 3 ("often").

The TSI-2 has 12 clinical scales (some with subscales) that assess a variety of symptom domains related to trauma:

  • Anxiety, Intrusive Experiences
  • Defensive Avoidance
  • Dissociation
  • Insecure Attachment
  • Impaired Self-Reference
  • Depression
  • Suicidality
  • Sexual Disturbance
  • Tension Reduction Behavior
  • Anger
  • Somatic Preoccupation

Therefore, scales map onto some DSM-5 PTSD symptoms (e.g., avoidance, intrusions) but the TSI-2 is not designed to map solely or directly onto DSM-5 PTSD. The TSI-2 also includes 2 validity scales (response level and atypical response) along with 8 critical items to help identify potential severe disturbance or danger (e.g., suicidal ideation). The TSI-2 includes a reliable change score for repeated measurement as well. A computer scoring program is available from the test publisher, with norms based on gender and age. The TSI-2 is recommended for measuring a variety of trauma-related symptoms in clinical or research settings.

Versions

The 126-item TSI-2-A is an alternative version that does not contain any sexual symptom items.

References for TSI-2

Briere, J. (2011). Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2). Odessa, Florida: Psychological Assessment Resources.

Godbout, N., Hodges, M., Briere, J., & Runtz, M. (2016). Structural analysis of the trauma symptom inventory-2. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 25(3), 333-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2015.1079285

References for TSI

Briere, J. (1995). Trauma Symptom Inventory Professional Manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

Briere, J. (1996). Psychometric review of Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI). In B. H. Stamm (Ed.), Measurement of stress, trauma, and adaptation (pp. 381-383). Sidran Press.

To Obtain Scale

Psychological Assessment Resources
Box 998
Odessa, FL 33556
Phone: (800) 331-8378
Available for purchase at http://www.parinc.comLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site.

Measure availability: We provide information on a variety of measures assessing trauma and PTSD. These measures are intended for use by qualified mental health professionals and researchers. Measures authored by National Center staff are available as direct downloads or by request. Measures developed outside of the National Center can be requested via contact information available on the information page for the specific measure.

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PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health