Psychometric Properties of the Demographics, Temperament and Coping Scales (DTCS)
Abstract
Due to dramatic war time increases in prevalence rates, Combat and Operational Stress (COS) and its potential resultants (ranging from Combat and Operational Stress Reactions - COSRs to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD) are topics of specific interest to the Department of Defense (DoD). Three individual difference factors: demographics, temperament and coping style, show consistent patterns as risk factors in PTSD development, and thus merit inclusion in development of a pre-deployment Combat Stress Control (CSC) services screening instrument. This report presents data on the initial validation of these factors, which are individually assessed in the Demographics, Temperament, and Coping Scales (DTCS). The goal of the DTCS is to improve current methods used to identify individuals who would benefit from early COS intervention and mitigation. The study consisted of two samples. Fifty-four Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) trainees voluntarily participated in Sample One, and fifty-eight API trainees voluntarily participated in Sample Two. Each sample completed the DTCS and then a nomologically-related, established scale from which we could calculate theoretical convergent validity of the DTCS. In Sample One, participants completed the Revised Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Inventory (NEO-PI-R), focusing on the neuroticism facet, and the DTCS, focusing on the Temperament facet. In Sample Two, participants completed the Compass of Shame Scale (CoSS), focusing on the coping facet, and the DTCS, focusing on the coping facet. The study protocol was approved by the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory Institutional Review Board in compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects. Psychometric analyses were performed on data drawn from the two study samples. Our results present a mixed picture for inferring the nomological network, and therefore application, of the DTCS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513270
Entities
People
- Joseph F. Chandler
- Joshua A. Isaacson
- Phillip M. Mangos
- Richard D. Arnold
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory