Psychometric Properties of the Dissociative Subtype of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale: Replication and Extension in Two German-Speaking Samples

Abstract

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, Wolf et al. (2017) developed the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Scale (DSPS), a 15-item self-report measure to identify lifetime and current dissociative symptoms of D-PTSD. 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.

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

“…The German version was adapted accordingly, resulting in the final German DSPS which is provided in the Supplement. Ukrainian and Albanian versions of the DSPS, which have been developed using similar procedures and which are currently undergoing validation, are provided elsewhere (see Danböck, Hettegger, et al, 2023 ).…”