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Traumatic Events Screening Inventory (TESI-C)
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About Traumatic Events Screening Inventory (TESI-C)
Scale Name
Traumatic Events Screening Inventory (TESI-C)
Author Details
Julian Ford, Rachel Racusin, Kristen Rogers, Catherine Ellis, Jeff Schiffman, David Ribbe, and Joanne Edwards
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Traumatic Events Screening Inventory for Children (TESI-C) emerged from a critical need to assess past trauma exposure in children in a sensitive and effective manner. Developed in 2002 by a collaborative team from the National Center for PTSD and the Dartmouth Child Psychiatry Research Group, the TESI-C was specifically designed as a semi-structured interview tool for children aged 6 to 12.
Prior to the TESI-C, assessing child trauma relied heavily on adult reports or generic screening measures that weren’t sensitive to the unique aspects of children’s experiences. Recognizing this gap, the TESI-C aimed to:
- Offer a child-centered approach: Using developmentally appropriate language and a gentle, non-leading interview style, the TESI-C minimizes potential intimidation and encourages honest disclosure from children.
- Systematically examine various trauma domains: The interview covers a broad range of potentially traumatic events, including non-interpersonal (accidents, illnesses, disasters), interpersonal (abuse, neglect, violence), and loss experiences.
- Gather detailed information: Beyond simply confirming exposure, the TESI-C delves into specifics like the nature of the event, emotional responses, and contextual factors, providing crucial context for further assessment and intervention.
- Maintain a trauma-informed framework: The TESI-C prioritizes child safety and well-being. The interview structure gradually increases in sensitivity, starting with less distressing events and ending with potential sexual trauma inquiries, if necessary.
The TESI-C quickly gained recognition for its effectiveness and became a widely used tool in clinical, research, and forensic settings. Its child-centered approach, comprehensive scope, and detailed inquiry facilitate accurate assessment of trauma exposure in children, paving the way for appropriate interventions and healing.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
Preparation:
- Review the protocol: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the TESI-C questions and scoring guidelines.
- Establish rapport: Build a trusting relationship with the child before starting the interview.
- Consider setting: Choose a private, comfortable, and safe space for the child.
- Provide materials: Have a copy of the TESI-C form, a pen, and tissues available.
- Obtain informed consent: Gain parental or guardian consent and child assent, explaining the purpose of the interview.
Interview Process:
- Begin with open-ended questions: Invite the child to talk about their life and experiences.
- Gradually introduce TESI-C questions: Follow the structured format, starting with less sensitive topics and progressing to more sensitive ones (e.g., sexual trauma) if needed.
- Use child-friendly language: Explain questions clearly and avoid technical terms.
- Reassure and validate: Acknowledge the child’s feelings and experiences throughout the interview.
- Utilize non-verbal cues: Observe the child’s body language and facial expressions for signs of distress.
- Allow for breaks: If the child becomes distressed, pause the interview and offer comfort and support.
Reliability and Validity
The Traumatic Events Screening Inventory for Children (TESI-C) has been thoroughly researched and demonstrates strong reliability and validity for assessing past trauma exposure in children aged 6 to 12. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence:
- Internal consistency: The TESI-C exhibits good internal consistency, meaning individual items within the interview measure the same underlying construct (trauma exposure) consistently. Studies report Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.86 for different versions of the TESI-C.
- Test-retest reliability: Research conducted with various time intervals (e.g., one week, three months) shows moderate to high test-retest reliability. Kappa coefficients range from 0.50 to 0.79, indicating that children’s responses to the TESI-C remain relatively stable over time.
- Inter-rater reliability: Studies examining agreement between different interviewers administering the TESI-C report good to excellent inter-rater reliability. Kappa coefficients typically fall within the 0.70 to 0.90 range, demonstrating consistency in scoring procedures and interpretation of responses.
- Content validity: The TESI-C items comprehensively cover a wide range of potentially traumatic events relevant to children, including accidents, illnesses, family violence, abuse, and loss experiences. This ensures the interview adequately captures diverse trauma experiences.
- Criterion validity: The TESI-C shows good agreement with other established measures of trauma exposure in children, such as the PTSD Checklist for Children (PCL-C). Studies report concurrent validity coefficients ranging from 0.50 to 0.80, indicating that children who score high on the TESI-C are also likely to score high on other trauma measures.
- Predictive validity: The TESI-C demonstrates predictive validity for certain mental health outcomes associated with trauma exposure in children, such as PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Studies suggest that children who score high on the TESI-C are more likely to experience these mental health conditions later.
Limitations and future directions:
- While the TESI-C is widely used and reliable, it’s important to note that it may not capture all traumatic experiences, particularly less overt forms like emotional neglect or chronic exposure to stressful environments.
- More research is needed to examine the TESI-C’s validity in diverse cultural contexts and with children from marginalized communities.
- Continued development and validation of adaptations for younger children and adolescents are important for broader application of the TESI-C.
Available Versions
06-Items
Reference
The National Center for PTSD • Dartmouth Child Trauma Research Group
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TESI-C?
The TESI-C is a semi-structured interview tool for assessing past trauma exposure in children aged 6 to 12.
Who uses the TESI-C?
Clinicians, researchers, and forensic professionals use the TESI-C to identify children who may have experienced trauma and need further support.
What are the benefits of using the TESI-C?
Early identification of trauma exposure allows for appropriate interventions and support for children, potentially preventing long-term negative consequences.
What are the limitations of the TESI-C?
It may not capture all forms of trauma, especially chronic or subtle forms. Cultural sensitivity and adaptation may be needed for diverse populations.
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