Validation of the impact of event scale for psychological sequelae of combat.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate the Impact of Event Scale (IES) with a large sample of male subjects who had been exposed to the trauma of combat. Three groups of subjects were compared: (a) subjects who had participated in combat and had been identified as suffering from combat stress reaction; (b) control subjects who had participated in the same battles and were matched on relevant sociodemographic characteristics but had not shown symptoms of combat stress reaction; and (c) combat-ready subjects who were similar to the other groups but had not actively participated in battle. The basic scale structure was replicated. The IES was shown to be sensitive to differences between and within groups. Four basic patterns of intrusion and avoidance were identified. Discussion was focused on the theoretical issues associated with these patterns and on the effects of different types of trauma, and the need for clear criteria for diagnosis and treatment was indicated.

Emotional and Cognitive Coping in Relationship Dissolution

“…Some researchers hypothesize that rumination on one specific thought or emotion may provide the opportunity to avoid more painful or difficult aspects of the breakup (Moulds et al, 2006). Additionally, this data resembles findings from the Impact of Events Scale: intrusive thoughts, a similar but still divergent construct, and avoidance were positively associated (Horowitz et al, 1979;Schwarzwald, Solomon, Weisenberg, & Mikulincer, 1987). Keane, Zimering, and Caddell (1985) argued that although reflection after a traumatic event is normal, avoidance of those reflective thoughts could cause intrusion or maladaptive focus at a later point in time.…”

Evaluation of post traumatic distress in the first 6 months following SCI

“…15 It is not possible on the basis of IES scores to make a diagnosis of PTSD, but the scale has been used as an analogue to disgnostic tests 8 on the basis that it assesses two of the key aspects of PTSD (intrusion and avoidance), has been shown to be highly signi®cant correlated with PTSD severity 10 and can discriminate individuals who are being treated for post traumatic reactions from those who are not being treated but have experienced similar levels of objective trauma. 15,18 (ii) Concurrent Mental Health Di culties: Anxiety was measured using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) 19 and depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). 20 These scales have been successfully used in the literature to assess psychological adjustment to injury and trauma 14,21,22 and while there is some indication that the BDI may in¯ate estimates in patients with SCI because of some somatic-based items, 23 it has been shown to be generally reliable with this population.…”

Sexual Dysfunction in Male Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Patients

“…The PTSD patients were also asked to complete the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90). The IES assesses intrusive and avoidant symptoms [13]and has been validated in Hebrew on Israeli combat veterans [14]. The SCL-90 is a general measure of severity of psychopathological symptoms [14, 15, 16]and has been extensively used and validated in Hebrew [17].…”