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Journal article
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complex Trauma and Strengths Questionnaire: psychometric evaluation
Australian Journal of Psychology, Vol.76(1), 2335917
2024
Abstract
Objective
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex trauma) describes a cluster of symptoms frequently associated with prolonged exposure to inescapable threats or abuse. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia impacted by complex trauma, there may be compounding factors, such as experiences of historical trauma, loss and socio-economic deprivation stemming from colonisation. However, there is no culturally appropriate tool to assess complex trauma. This paper presents the psychometric evaluation of a preliminary version Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complex Trauma and Strengths Questionnaire (ACTSQ).
Methods
Following 2 years of rigorous Aboriginal-led co-design, participants were recruited through community networks and partner health services in South Australia, Victoria, and Northern Territory (October 2020–May 2022). A trained interviewer contacted Aboriginal (n = 109) and Torres Strait Islander (n = 1) parents aged >16 years by phone to complete the ACTSQ. Underlying domain structures were investigated with exploratory factor analysis and reviewed by experts to refine. Reliability and inter-rater reliability were assessed using McDonald’s Omega and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).
Results
Forty-four items on five factors were retained. Factors were labelled complex trauma symptoms (16 items), grief, loss and disconnection (6 items), support and relationships (9 items), sense of self and strengths (7 items), and Cultural connections and resources (6 items). There were moderate correlations between factors, with the exception of factor 5. Omega was >0.75 for all factors. The inter-rater reliability for each factor was fair to good (ICC 0.5–0.7).
Conclusions
This study conducted a comprehensive psychometric validation that provides initial evidence towards the cultural validity of the ACTSQ to support assessment of complex trauma and strengths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Future studies are required to replicate and further evaluate the psychometric properties of the ACTSQ using larger samples.
Details
- Title
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complex Trauma and Strengths Questionnaire: psychometric evaluation
- Authors/Creators
- Graham Gee - Murdoch Children's Research InstituteTess Bright - The University of MelbourneAmy MorganCarlie AtkinsonShawana Andrews - The University of MelbourneYvonne Clark - South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteKaren Glover - South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteTanja Hirvonen - Centre for Remote HealthElise Davis - The University of MelbourneKimberley A Jones - The University of MelbourneRachel O'ReillyFiona Mensah - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
- Publication Details
- Australian Journal of Psychology, Vol.76(1), 2335917
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Identifiers
- 991005666666607891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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