Psychology RootsYoung Child PTSD Screen
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About Young Child PTSD Screen
Scale Name
Young Child PTSD Screen
Author Details
Michael S. Scheeringa
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Young Child PTSD Screen (YCPS), developed by Michael S. Scheeringa in 2010 at Tulane University, is a 6-item caregiver-report screening tool designed to quickly identify potential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children (ages 3–6) 2–4 weeks after a traumatic event or in resource-limited settings. Freely available ([email protected]), it is not diagnostic but flags need for clinical attention. Based on a developmentally sensitive PTSD algorithm (Scheeringa et al., 2003), it targets children with ≥5 PTSD symptoms (average 7–10 in clinical samples). Items were empirically selected from 284 trauma-exposed preschoolers (NIMH R01 MH65884-01A1), including only symptoms occurring in ≥20% of cases.
The YCPS includes 6 items (3 re-experiencing [B], 3 arousal [D]): intrusive memories (b4), nightmares (b1), distress at reminders (b2), irritability (d1), sleep problems (d2), and hypervigilance (d5). Each uses a 3-point Likert scale (0 = “No”, 1 = “Sometimes”, 2 = “Most days”), but scoring is dichotomous: any 1 or 2 = “yes”. Cutoff: ≥2 “yes” = positive screen (refer for treatment); 1 “yes” = marginal (refer for testing). Sensitivity = 100%, NPV = 100%, specificity = 42.9%, PPV = 70.8% (vs. ≥5 PTSD symptoms). Validated with 284 children (mean age ≈ 3–6 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), it avoids complex items (e.g., avoidance of reminders). Used in trauma clinics and disaster response, access is free with attribution.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the YCPS from Scheeringa (2010) or [email protected] (free, not for sale), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to caregivers (of children 3–6 years post-trauma) that the screen checks for PTSD signs, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 6-item caregiver checklist in clinical or community settings, covering the past week, using the 3-point scale (but score as yes/no).
- Estimated completion time is ~2–3 minutes.
- Ensure a supportive environment; provide trauma resources (e.g., referral list) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The YCPS demonstrates strong screening properties (Scheeringa, 2010). Internal consistency is not reported (screening tool). Test-retest reliability is not available (no published studies yet). Inter-rater reliability is not applicable (single caregiver). Screening validity (vs. ≥5 PTSD symptoms, n=284): Sensitivity = 100%, Specificity = 42.9%, PPV = 70.8%, NPV = 100%.
Convergent validity is supported by item selection from validated PTSD interviews. Discriminant validity is not emphasized (screening focus). Construct validity is reinforced by empirical derivation and balance of re-experiencing/arousal clusters. The YCPS reliably screens for PTSD risk. Pairing with the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
06-Items
Reference
Scheeringa, M. S., Zeanah, C. H., & Cohen, J. A. (2011). PTSD in children and adolescents: toward an empirically based algorithm a. Depression and anxiety, 28(9), 770-782.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the YCPS measure?
It screens for PTSD risk in young children (3–6 years) post-trauma via 6 caregiver-reported symptoms.
Who is the target population?
Caregivers of children aged 3–6 years, 2–4 weeks post-trauma or in limited-resource settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 2–3 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, a positive screen (≥2 yes) prompts referral for trauma-focused treatment.
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