Assessing Posttraumatic Stress in Children: A Review and Further Examination of the Psychometrics of Frederick’s Reaction Index

Abstract

Frederick's Reaction Index (RI) is one of the most commonly used measures to assess for the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms in children. The current study was designed to provide further supporting psychometric data on the use of the RI. Analyses showed the RI to be reliable and valid, correlating with parent reports of child distress. A factor analysis supported the use of a two-factor model of symptoms. Despite the strong properties of the RI, it may need to be revised in the future to make it both more easily understood by younger children and more reflective of current diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder.