The Post-Traumatic Cognitions Scale was developed by Foa and colleagues (1999) as a comprehensive tool designed to assess negative cognitions in individuals who have experienced trauma. This scale helps measure negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and others, as well as tendencies toward self-blame and trauma-related cognitive distortions. Consisting of 33 items, the Post-Traumatic Cognitions Scale is scored using a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree," allowing participants to indicate the extent to which they endorse each statement.
What does the PTCI measure?
After a traumatic event, negative beliefs about oneself and the world play an important role in the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder. The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI), developed by Foa and colleagues in 1999, assesses these beliefs in three areas:
- Negative cognitions about the self: for example “I am a weak person” or “I can't trust that I will do the right thing”.
- Negative cognitions about the world: beliefs that people and the world are dangerous or untrustworthy.
- Self-blame: the belief that the event happened because of one's own actions.
How is it answered?
Each statement is rated on a seven-point scale from “totally disagree” to “totally agree”. Higher scores indicate stronger negative beliefs in the corresponding area.
How are the results used?
These beliefs are direct targets of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and prolonged exposure therapy, and their reduction goes hand in hand with symptom improvement. If your scores are high, consider talking to a clinician experienced in trauma.
Limitations
The PTCI does not diagnose PTSD; a full assessment by a mental health professional is needed. If you are thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).