Psychometric Validation and Cultural Adaptation of the Turkish Version of the Global Psychotrauma Screen

Background: The prevalence of trauma-related disorders in Türkiye is higher than in high-income countries due to an increased likelihood of exposure to traumatic events. Türkiye's high prevalence of trauma-related disorders underscores the need for validated tools to screen for trauma-related symptoms. The Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) is a newly developed, brief instrument designed to screen for transdiagnostic trauma-related symptoms and risk factors. However, its validity in Turkish populations has yet to be established. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the GPS in a general population sample from Türkiye. Methods: The Turkish version of the GPS was administered digitally to 499 individuals (36.3% male, 63.7% female) aged 18 to 74 years (mean ± SD = 24.58 ± 9.26). Psychometric analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, reliability, clinical validity, and convergent-divergent validity. Specific statistical tests such as Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis for validity were conducted. Convergent-divergent validity was assessed using correlations with other established measures of trauma symptoms, such as the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL). Linear regression examined associations between risk factors and trauma-related symptoms. Results: Exploratory factor analysis indicated a single-factor structure for trauma-related symptoms. The GPS showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.87) and reliability. Clinical validity was moderate with cut-off scores of 3 for probable PTSD and 2 for depression and anxiety. These cut-off scores resulted in high sensitivity but low specificity. Risk factors such as low social support, childhood trauma, a history of mental illness, and exposure to other stressful events were significantly associated with higher GPS symptoms. The convergent validity analysis indicated a significant correlation with the PTSD Checklist (PCL), showing convergence (r = 0.48, P < .01). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the GPS is a valid and reliable screening tool for trauma-related symptoms and provides a quick and efficient screening process. However, clinical interviews are recommended following GPS screening to confirm diagnoses. These findings support the Turkish GPS as a rapid and culturally adaptable screening tool for trauma-related symptoms, although confirmatory clinical interviews remain essential for diagnosis. These findings support the applicability of GPS across diverse cultural contexts. Further studies are needed to explore its psychometric properties in other regions and languages.