Citation

Wang R, Wang L, Zhang J, Liu Z, Wu K. Scand. J. Psychol. 2012; 53(5): 430-436.

Affiliation

Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Scandinavian Psychological Associations, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-9450.2012.00965.x

PMID

22882702

Abstract

As a diagnosis organized mainly on the basis of theoretical conceptualization, acute stress disorder (ASD) has been widely criticized for lack of empirical support since it was introduced into the DSM system. To address this issue, the present study investigated the latent structure of ASD symptoms measured by the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS). A total of 350 adults with a mean age of 32.9 years (SD = 14.0, range: 16-85) took part in this study 12 to 15 days after an earthquake. The results of confirmatory factor analyses showed that a five-factor intercorrelated model (dissociation, reexperiencing, avoidance, dysphoric arousal, and anxious arousal) demonstrated the best data fit. The findings provide preliminary empirical evidence in favor of a new reconceptualization of ASD symptoms, and are informative for the impending DSM-5.

Language: en