Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire

Objective: This study is concerned with examining the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The CTQ is a self-report instrument designed to evaluate abuse and neglect experiences of childhood and adolescence. Material and Methods: Patients with trauma-related dissociate disorder (n=24), their first-degree relatives (n=50), and non-clinical controls (n=50) matched with the latter group participated in the study. CTQ Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and a short instrument gathering qualitative information about childhood traumatic experiences (CCKKISL) were administered to all participants. Results Dissociative disorder patients (mean=24.2; 17-39) were younger than their family members who participated the study (mean=40.5;18-70) and the non-clinical group matched with them (mean=40.2; 20-70) in average. Women were in majority among dissociative patients (79.2%) whereas this rate was 54.0% for both their family members and the non-clinical group. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the scale were excellent. A comparison between three study groups with graded differences in trauma histories and an evaluation of the consistency with the qualitative reports of childhood trauma by CCKKISL supported the construct validity of the scale. There was positive correlation between CTQ and DES scores. In factor analysis, all items distributed in the rubrics of predetermined trauma types correctly except those of the physical neglect subscale. Two items were modified by adding clarifications in paranthesis. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the CTQ is reliable and valid as its original form.