Translation, validation and exploration of the factor structure in the French version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI)

Le Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) is one of the most used instruments to assess posttraumatic cognitions. Since its release, many studies have tried to validate and translate this questionnaire, but they had difficulty to confirm its structure and then suggested alternatives. Faced with no consensus, a short version in nine statements was developed and showed good psychometric properties. To date, no French version of the PTCI has been validated, thereby preventing studies from investigating the role of posttraumatic cognitions in French speaking populations. OBJECTIVES: In order to validate a French version of the PTCI, this study investigates two objectives using two French speaking samples: (1) test 10 factor structures identified in prior studies, and (2) assess the other psychometric properties of the best fitting factor structure. METHOD: The PTCI was translated in French using a reverse translation method and administered to 202 university students and 114 aid workers. Suitability indexes of the appropriate factor structures previously identified in prior studies were examined. Internal consistency, correlations between subscales and convergent, divergent and discriminant validities in the most appropriate structure were evaluated. RESULTS: Results support that only Wells et al.'s short 9-item version of the PTCI and three factors shows excellent suitability indexes. This version also outlines an excellent internal consistency and solid convergent, divergent, and discriminant validities. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the empirical validity, fidelity, and utility of Wells et al.'s short version of the PTCI. This is the first PTCI French validation, which is a major advantage when it comes to assess posttraumatic cognitions in French trauma victims.