Brief Description
The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) is a 22-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure the subjective distress experienced by individuals following a traumatic event. It is an updated version of the original 15-item IES, with the addition of 7 items that assess hyperarousal symptoms, a key component of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Respondents rate the extent to which they have been distressed or bothered by various difficulties over the past seven days caused by a specific traumatic event they experienced. For example, one item asks, "Any reminders brought back feelings about it," with responses ranging from “Not at all” "Extremely." The IES-R focuses on the intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. Although it does not incorporate the full range of PTSD symptoms as defined by the DSM-5, it remains a valuable tool for assessing trauma-related distress.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
22
Age Range for Administration
18+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
Weekly
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
The IES-R consists of 22 questions scored on a 5-point Likert scale with values from 0 (“Not at all”) to 4 (“Extremely”). The total score is calculated by summing the responses and can range from 0 to 88. A suggested total score cutoff is 24 to indicate concern of PTSD. The IES-R also consists of three subscales and the items are broken down into subscale categories as follows:
Subscale | Corresponding Items |
Intrusion | 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 16, 20 |
Avoidance | 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 22 |
Hyperarousal | 4, 10, 15, 18, 19, 21 |
Subscale scores are calculated as the mean item responses for each category, and range from 0-4. For each subscale, higher scores indicate greater symptom severity in that particular domain.
Blueprint Adjustments
The original measure encourages respondents to write in what trauma they are referring to when completing the measure. Blueprint does not provide a write-in space. Clinicians are encouraged to clarify what trauma is being referenced by the respondent as part of clinical discussion and care.
Clinical Considerations
Estimated time for completion: 5-10 minutes
This measure was developed based on PTSD criteria from the DSM-III (IES) and DSM-IV (IES-R).
The measure should not be given sooner than two weeks after the traumatic event.
The IES-R is meant to enhance clinical decision-making. It should not serve as the sole basis for making a diagnosis.
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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