ABSTRACT
Among the many factors that affect the accuracy of youth assessments are the comprehensiveness of, nature of, and preparation for assessment as well as the reliability and validity of measures used. Comprehensive assessment of children includes collecting information from multiple sources and in multiple contexts. In addition to employing assessment scales or interviews with parents, children, and other sources, direct observation of children at school or daycare, with caregivers, and in clinical settings has assisted in obtaining accurate information regarding youths’ symptoms and reactions (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998; Scheeringa, Peebles, Cook, & Zeanah, 2001). Identifying the subtypes and characteristics of children, the traumatic experience, and the child’s history that affect outcomes may prevent the canceling out of effects. In the process of establishing the reliability and validity of measures, items are sometimes excluded before establishment of important information such as (1) rare items that may give important information about the course and duration of reactions, (2) the manner in which symptoms may change and manifest over time, and (3) specific risk and protective factors that may alter the nature of traumatic response.
