Measures
Four questionnaires were utilized for the study:
1. Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) is a 22-item, self-report
measure (for DSM-IV) that assesses subjective distress caused by
traumatic events23. The scale had a high internal
consistency (alpha = 0.96).
2. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological instrument for
measuring the perception of stress. The questions ask about feelings and
thoughts during the previous few months24. Internal
consistency estimates using Cronbach’s alpha range from 0.67 to 0.91.
3. Spielberger State - Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) is a 40-item,
self-completed questionnaire that aims to separately assess state
anxiety (STAI-Y1, a temporary state influenced by the current situation)
and trait anxiety (STAI-Y2, a general propensity to be anxious) with 20
items each25. The internal consistency reliability
ranges from 0.91 to 0.95 for the scale of state and from 0.85 to 0.90
for the scale of trait.
4. Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQL) 4.0
Generic Core Scales is a parent proxy-report including Physical,
Emotional, Social, and School Functioning Scales. It assesses parents’
perception of their child’s Health-Related Quality of
Life26. The scale has good internal consistency
reliability for the total scale score (alpha = 0.90 on parent report).