Psychometric Properties of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 in Treatment-Seeking Black Veterans
Abstract: Objective: Despite widespread use of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—fifth edition (PCL-5) across various trauma-exposed populations, little is known about the psychometric properties of the instrument in certain ethnic minority groups with increased risk of trauma exposure, including Black veterans. To this end, the current study examined the internal consistency of the PCL-5, convergent validity using correlations between the PCL-5 and another measure of PTSD, and discriminant validity using correlations between the PCL-5 and other commonly occurring psychiatric symptoms, including depression as well as alcohol and substance misuse. Method: The sample was composed of 327 Black veterans (84% male, Mage = 51.87, SD = 13.72) presenting to a PTSD specialty clinic at a large Veterans Affairs hospital in the Midwest United States to receive psychological services. In addition to a diagnostic interview, veterans were asked to complete a brief battery of self-report questionnaires to assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment planning. Results: The PCL-5 demonstrated excellent internal consistency. Furthermore, the PCL-5 was significantly and positively correlated with PTSD diagnostic status, suggesting evidence of convergent validity. Finally, the PCL-5 was strongly correlated with symptoms of depression and moderately correlated with alcohol and substance misuse. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the PCL-5 is a psychometrically sound measure to assess PTSD symptoms among Black veterans. Considering the brevity of PCL-5 administration, clinicians should consider utilizing this and other psychometric tests in clinical care to reduce disparities in health equity among Black patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Abstract: U.S. Air Force remotely piloted aircraft (USAF RPA) personnel face diverse stressors negatively affecting psychological health and military readiness. Prior research in diverse populations supports predictable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational stressors, burnout, and more distal outcomes. Extending earlier studies linking broad variables (e.g., COVID-19 threat → work stress → burnout), the current study tests and refines an expanded mediation model based on multiple distinct pandemic concerns, occupational stressors, and burnout facets as antecedents of psychological distress mid-pandemic in RPA personnel (N = 496). Differential representation of demands, resources, and rewards evident across distinct occupational stressors in light of job demands/resources theory guided specification of mediated pathways. SEM analysis yielded moderate fit. Following removal of non-significant paths and addition of two interpretable direct paths, fit was improved, yielding seven dominant pandemic concern → occupational stressor → burnout → psychological distress pathways. In support of domain specification, five 'hub' variables (pandemic-driven change, personal stressors, workload, leader communication, and exhaustion) emerged as key intervention targets in mitigating distress in the USAF RPA community and similar populations during future pandemic-related crises.