A comparison of the psychometric properties of 4 postconcussion syndrome measures in a nonclinical sample.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the psychometric properties of 4 established postconcussive symptoms (PCS) measures.


METHODS
Ninety-six nonclinical participants (49 university students and 47 nonstudents; 73% male). Nonclinical participants were recruited because PCS symptoms are common in both clinical and nonclinical groups.


METHODS
Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire, the Postconcussion Syndrome Symptom Scale, the Postconcussion Syndrome Checklist, and the British Columbia Postconcussion Symptom Inventory were completed in a counterbalanced order.


METHODS
Internal consistency and split-half reliability coefficients were calculated for each PCS measure. Convergent validity was examined using intercorrelations between PCS measures. Divergent validity was examined using correlations between each of the PCS measures and depression.


RESULTS
PCS measures had moderate to good reliability and were significantly and positively correlated with each other. Divergent validity correlations were generally weaker than those between PCS measures.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to examine the psychometric properties of multiple PCS measures in a single sample. Given that clinicians may not know in advance the clinical or nonclinical group status of their clients, particularly in mild trauma cases, our data may help researchers and clinicians compare and select PCS measures.
School of Psychology and Counselling, and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia. karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au
Karen
K
Sullivan
Natalie
N
Garden
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D055815:Young Adult