French cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a French community sample

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims: In 2018, the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) recognized a new diagnosis in addition to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), that of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). A new measurement tool was developed to assess both disorders: the International Trauma Questionnaire. The objectives of this study were (a) to conduct a French translation of the tool, (b) to confirm the factorial structure of the tool, (c) to verify its convergent and divergent validity, (d) and finally to ensure its temporal stability. Method: The ITQ was translated into French using a committee approach, bringing together experts and bilingual individuals with a dual French-English culture. It was then completed by 750 people residing in France and having been exposed to potentially traumatic events, recruited from the general population. Other measures were also completed (HADS, ITEM, PCL-5, WHO-5, DERS). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the French version of the ITQ had the same factor structure as the original version. The scale showed satisfactory convergent and divergent validity, as well as good stability over time. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the French version of the ITQ is a good measurement tool for assessing PTSD and C-PTSD according to the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria. HIGHLIGHTS This study provides the first translation and validation of the International Trauma Questionnaire in the French population. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the French version of the ITQ had the same factor structure as the original version. The French version of the ITQ showed good convergent and divergent validity, as well as good test-retest reliability.