POST TRAUivlATIC STRESS INDEX (PTSI)

POST TRAUMATIC

STRESS INDEX
By

PATRICK J. CARNES, Ph.D.

&

DAVID L. DELMONICO, M.Ed.

A NEW FREEDOM, INC.

800-708-1796

POST TRAFMATIC STRESS INDEX (PTSI)

The following statements typify reactions trauma victims often have to child
abuse. Please check those that you believe have applied to you. Although the
statements are written in the present tense, if the statements have ever applied in
your life then place a check next to that item. Statements are considered false only
if they have NEVER been a part of your life. If in doubt. let your first reaction be
your guide. Given these guidelines, place a check mark next to the statements you
feel apply.

__

4. I feel bad at times about myself because of shameful experiences I believe were
my fault

8. I deny myself basic needs at times like groceries, shoes, books, medical care,
rent and heat

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POST T:RAUMATICSTRESS INDEX (PTSI),

,

,
,

36. I often feel lonely and estranged from others because of painful experiences
I have had

39. I sometimes withdraw or have lack of interest in iniportant activities becanse

of child-hood experiences

,.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS INDEX (PTSI)

__

41. I am upset wben there are reminders of abusive experiences like

anniversaries, places, or symbols

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS INDEX (PISI)

()J.

I make repeated efforts to convince people who were destructive to me and

not willing to listen

POST TRAUJ\fATIC STRESS INDEX (PISI)

.

__

trl. I have a tendency to be preoccopied with something else than what I need

to~

__

105. I get physical reactions to reminders of abuse experiences (breaking out in

cold sweat. trouble breathing, etc.)

'..,

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS INDEX (PTSI)

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_._

114. There is a certain age of chlldren or adolescents that are sexually attractive
tome

__

116. I often feel1Ulworthy, unlovable, immoral, or sinful because of experiences I

have had

122. There are acthities that I have trouble stopping even though they are useless
or dcstru~ive

... :' :
~

POST TRA.UMATIC STRESS INDEX (PTSI)

,

__

139. There are some people in my life who are hard to get over though they hurt

or used me hadly

You have completed the Trauma Profile

Thank you!

DIRECTIONS: Match yourSCOTes with theoppropriare

mpitatizal wde. Btmndeuch SCD1f!' is on e-xptonation of what the score measures, as well as
Of'PrCJ'riate recommendations fex actions 1D be token. If your SCDre is b (Q-3), this is not an arm of aJnCJ!fI1 for you. If your SetH!! is moderate

(3-6), you shout! discuss with your therapist whDt strategies woutd help )\711. 1f)\7llf score is ~er
than 6, this should be an area of intense fows.
Review a series of to'3f!t activiries with your UlerlJ1ist that will he#p youwirh these tratmaportems,
remembering this is OIJIy 0 poper ond pencjJ
fOOL to help you ttmk ab(>ut the role of trQfJl1lQ in your life. Goly)lllU
l1IId }lOIK t'IIenPst C1II see if the results fit your eqJerieIce.

SCORE

CHARACTERISTICS

TRT_

'TRAUIM REAcnoMS: Expenendng

current reactions to trauma events in

THERAPY STRATEGIES
study ways tllat you are still reacting.
Write letters to your perpetrators
impact you are experiencing.

the past.

1.
TRAMA REPEnTION:

Repeating

Also write ~

Decide with a therapist

Understand

Develop habits which help to center yourself (e.g., breathing,

journaUng) so you are doing what you intend - not the cycles of

early trauma experiences.

old.
Wk

OR

what is

how history repeats

opriate to send.
itself in your life experiences.

boundaries.

Boundary failure is key to repetition

compulsion.

learn to recognize trauma bonds 1'1 identifying those in your life.

(loyal, helpful, supportive) to people

who are dangerous,
expletive.

letters to those you know you have harmed.

OOha'i1ors or situations which pataUe\

TRAUIM BONDS: Being connected

telling them of the long-term

Look forpattems.
Use "detachment"

shaming. or

strategies

for difficult people.

Use a first Step if necessary.

TRAUIM SHAME: feeling unworthy
and having self-hate because of
trauma experience.

Understand the shame dynamics of ycu family.

Who was it important

to that you should feel shameful?

Do a list of your secrets.

Start reprogramming yourself wi affirmations.

TRAUMA PLEASURE: Finding

pleasure in the presence

Do a history of how excitement/shame

vlolence, risk, or shame.

Note the costs and dangers to you over time.

Do a First Step and relapse prevention
in your life.

TRAUMA BLOCKING: A pattern

exists to numb, block out,oor
overwhelm feelings that stem from
trauma in your life.

are hooked up to your

trauma past.

of danger,

Work to identify experience

Re-experience

about how' powerful this is

which caused pain or diminished you.

feelings and make sense of them with help.

This will reduce the poNer they have had.

Do a F1J'5t

if appI'

ate.

TRAUMA SPLITTING: Ignoring

Learn that disassociating

traumatic realities by disassociating

or "splitting off'" experience of parts

Identify ways you spUt reality and the triggers that cause that to

of self.

is a "normal"

response to trauma.

happen.
Cultivate a "caring" adult whO stays present so you can stay

whole.
TRAUMA ABSTINENCE: Depriving
yourself of things you need or
deserve because of traUmatic acts.

Notice
Understand how deprivation
perpetrators.

feel.
is a way to continue serving your

Write a letter to the victim that was you about learning to

tolerate pain and deprivation.
Work on strategies
visualizations.

to self-nurture

including inner child

Counselor:

Name:

Unit:

Place an "X' next to all statements that are true about you:
I.

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