Psychometric properties of the child posttraumatic stress symptom scale–parent form (C-PTSS-PF)

Traumatic experiences deeply influence children’s mental health, but their responses differ from those of older cohorts due to unique developmental characteristics. In Türkiye, there is a significant lack of standardized parent-report tools designed to assess posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) specifically in early childhood. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument, based on parental reports, to assess PTSS in early childhood. Data were collected from 1,184 parents of children who directly experienced the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Türkiye. The scale’s item pool was developed through literature reviews, interviews, and expert evaluations. Results from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a four-factor scale structure explaining 47.05% of the total variance, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported these findings with acceptable fit indices. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach’s alpha (.93) and McDonald’s omega (.93) coefficients. Additionally, multigroup CFA confirmed measurement invariance, indicating structural equivalence across mother and father groups. The scale, consisting of 23 items and four subscales— (1) hyperarousal and re-experiencing, (2) need for safety, (3) anger, and (4) avoidance—can be considered a valid and reliable tool.