B – 19 Validation of Embedded PCL-5 Symptom Validity Indices in Active-Duty Military Population

Abstract Objective Shura et al. (2023) and Schroeder et al. (2024) developed three symptom validity indices for the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) examining overreported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in veteran populations. The current study aimed to cross-validate this previous research in an active-duty sample. Method The sample consisted of multiple criterion groups comprised of active duty service members (N = 165). Criterion for valid or invalid responses were based on Personality Assessment Inventory symptom validity scales (i.e., NIM and MAL). Three PCL-5 symptom validity indices were examined: the PCL-5 Symptom Severity scale (PSS), the PCL-5 Extreme Symptom scale (PES), and the PCL-5 Rare Items scale (PRI). Results Area under the curve statistics ranged from .73 to .76. The PSS, PES, and PRI all met classification accuracy goals. The PSS achieved the highest sensitivity rate (.50) when maintaining specificity at or above .90. The PES had a sensitivity of .40, when specificity was maintained at .90. However, the PRI demonstrated a low sensitivity of 0.2 at a specificity at .90. Optimal cutoff scores were identified for each scale (PES ≥16, PSS ≥58, and the PRI ≥3). Conclusion These findings provide support for the validation of the PSS, PES, and PRI as PCL-5 over-report measures within an active duty sample. The PSS and PES demonstrated superior classification statistics, as the PRI was hampered by lower sensitivity.