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Identification of Sum Score Cutoffs for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel Using the International
Belén Rogowski1, Megan Emily Chavez1,2, Laura Katherine Noll1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|July 16, 2026
Summary
This study established validated cutoff scores for the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to screen for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. A score of 6 is recommended for clinical screening, and 7 for research screening.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Military Health
- Psychological Assessment
Background:
- Military populations face heightened risks for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a self-report tool for PTSD assessment, suitable for screening.
- Current ITQ scoring lacks validated cutoffs for clinical and research use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish validated PTSD cutoff scores for the ITQ using a large sample of Norwegian military veterans.
- To provide a data-driven calibration between the ITQ and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a large sample (N=5640) of Norwegian military veterans.
- Compared the ITQ PTSD subscale to PCL-5 criteria for probable PTSD.
- Employed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine optimal cutoff values.
Main Results:
- A cutoff score of 6 on the ITQ's six PTSD symptom items is recommended for clinical screening, balancing sensitivity and false positives.
- A cutoff score of 7 is recommended for research screening, prioritizing confidence in positive results and minimizing false positives.
- The study provides validated cutoffs, bridging ITQ and PCL-5 assessments.
Conclusions:
- The established ITQ cutoff scores (6 for clinical, 7 for research) enable effective screening for probable PTSD in military veteran populations.
- These validated cutoffs enhance the utility of the ITQ for both clinical and epidemiological research.
- Findings should be interpreted cautiously, acknowledging the inherent limitations of self-report screeners in diagnosing psychiatric conditions.
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