PTSDPEDAQTRANCT07469930
Psychometric Evaluation of a Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions
An observational study of PTSD, run by Reinier van Arkel at 1 site in Netherlands.
Trial summary
A newly developed Dutch-language questionnaire was designed to assess trauma-related attributional styles across four theoretically derived dimensions: locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- PTSD
- How many people
- 530 participants
- Where
- 1 siteNetherlands
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2024to 15 Mar 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: * Non-clinical sample: first-year psychology students * Clinical sample: individuals receiving outpatient trauma treatment at PTC ZN
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥ 18
- Sufficient proficiency in Dutch
- For clinical sample: history of traumatic exposure and current trauma-related symptoms
- For non-clinical sample: enrollment as first-year psychology student at Radboud University
Who cannot join
- Incomplete questionnaire data
- Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent or questionnaire completion
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Netherlands1 site
Reinier van Arkel, Psychotraumacentrum Zuid-Nederland
's-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant, 5211LJ
About this study
A newly developed Dutch-language questionnaire was designed to assess trauma-related attributional styles across four theoretically derived dimensions: locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the instrument in both a non-clinical student sample and a clinical sample receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment for trauma-related disorders. Analyses will include internal consistency, factor structure, item performance, and construct validity through associations with PTSD symptoms and trauma-related cognitions.
Read the detailed description
This study investigates the psychometric properties of a newly developed Dutch attribution questionnaire specifically designed to assess trauma-related attributional styles. The instrument includes 32 dichotomously scored items divided across general and personal attributional perspectives, each covering four attribution dimensions: locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality.
Two samples were included: (1) a non-clinical sample of first-year psychology students from Radboud University (N = 418 in Part I; N = 382 in Part II), and (2) a clinical sample of individuals receiving inpatient or outpatient mental healthcare for trauma-related conditions at the Psychotraumacentrum Zuid-Nederland (PTC ZN; N = 112). All participants provided informed consent, and the study was approved by the relevant institutional ethics committee.
Participants completed the new questionnaire along with established measures of PTSD symptoms (PCL-5), trauma-related cognitions (PTCI), and general locus of control (IE-18; non-clinical sample only). Data were collected via secure online platforms. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, item response theory modelling, and correlation analyses to assess construct, convergent, and divergent validity. Group comparisons (clinical vs. non-clinical) and within-subject contrasts between general and personal attribution perspectives will be conducted using t-tests, MANOVAs, repeated measures ANOVAs, and regression models. Moderation and mediation analyses will examine the role of perspective contrast in predicting PTSD severity.
The study is guided by the following a priori hypotheses:
- The questionnaire will demonstrate a clear and theoretically consistent factor structure reflecting the attribution dimensions of locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality.
- The total scale and subscales will show adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach's α values of at least .70.
- Higher levels of maladaptive attributional patterns will be positively associated with PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5) and negative trauma-related cognitions (PTCI).
- Personal attribution items will show stronger associations with psychopathology than general attribution items, reflecting the heightened impact of self-referential cognitive biases.
- Clinical participants with trauma-related disorders will score higher on maladaptive attribution patterns than non-clinical students, indicating the instrument's sensitivity to trauma-related cognitive profiles.
- Conditions
- PTSD
- Keywords
- PTSD, Attributions, Self-report questionnaire
- Medical subject headings
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Non-clinical sample | First-year psychology students - Clinical sample: individuals receiving outpa | |
| Clinical sample | Individuals receiving outpatient trauma treatment at PTC ZN |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
1. Change in Maladaptive Attributional Style (Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions)
The Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions is a 32-item self-report instrument assessing attributional patterns across four dimensions (locus of causality, controllability, stability, globality) from both general and personal perspectives. Items are scored dichotomously (0 = disagreement; 1 = agreement), yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 32. Higher scores indicate stronger maladaptive attributional patterns. Change from baseline to the specified follow-up point will be calculated.
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (2)
2. Change in PTSD Symptom Severity (PCL-5)
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure assessing PTSD symptom severity over the past month. Total scores range from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Change from baseline to follow-up will be calculated.
Measured: Baseline
3. Change in Trauma-Related Cognitions (PTCI)
The Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) assesses negative trauma-related cognitions about the self, the world, and self-blame. Total scores range from 33 to 231, with higher scores indicating more negative cognitions. Change from baseline to follow-up will be calculated.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2024
- Primary completion15 Mar 2025
- Study completion15 Mar 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for PTSDStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Enrolment
- 530 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Reinier van Arkel
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07469930
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ESCW-2023-062R1
- Acronym
- PEDAQTRA
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The individual participant data (IPD) collected in this study will not be shared. The dataset contains sensitive clinical information related to trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms, and full de-identification cannot be guaranteed without compromising data integrity. Sharing such data may pose privacy risks to participants, particularly those in the clinical sample receiving specialized trauma treatment.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Psychometric Evaluation of a Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07469930
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PEDAQTRA / ESCW-2023-062R1
- Conditions
- PTSD
- Keywords
- PTSD, Attributions, Self-report questionnaire
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 530 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Reinier van ArkelUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Mar 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
A newly developed Dutch-language questionnaire was designed to assess trauma-related attributional styles across four theoretically derived dimensions: locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the instrument in both a non-clinical student sample and a clinical sample receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment for trauma-related disorders. Analyses will include internal consistency, factor structure, item performance, and construct validity through associations with PTSD symptoms and trauma-related cognitions.
Detailed description
This study investigates the psychometric properties of a newly developed Dutch attribution questionnaire specifically designed to assess trauma-related attributional styles. The instrument includes 32 dichotomously scored items divided across general and personal attributional perspectives, each covering four attribution dimensions: locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality.
Two samples were included: (1) a non-clinical sample of first-year psychology students from Radboud University (N = 418 in Part I; N = 382 in Part II), and (2) a clinical sample of individuals receiving inpatient or outpatient mental healthcare for trauma-related conditions at the Psychotraumacentrum Zuid-Nederland (PTC ZN; N = 112). All participants provided informed consent, and the study was approved by the relevant institutional ethics committee.
Participants completed the new questionnaire along with established measures of PTSD symptoms (PCL-5), trauma-related cognitions (PTCI), and general locus of control (IE-18; non-clinical sample only). Data were collected via secure online platforms. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, item response theory modelling, and correlation analyses to assess construct, convergent, and divergent validity. Group comparisons (clinical vs. non-clinical) and within-subject contrasts between general and personal attribution perspectives will be conducted using t-tests, MANOVAs, repeated measures ANOVAs, and regression models. Moderation and mediation analyses will examine the role of perspective contrast in predicting PTSD severity.
The study is guided by the following a priori hypotheses:
- The questionnaire will demonstrate a clear and theoretically consistent factor structure reflecting the attribution dimensions of locus of causality, controllability, stability, and globality.
- The total scale and subscales will show adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach's α values of at least .70.
- Higher levels of maladaptive attributional patterns will be positively associated with PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5) and negative trauma-related cognitions (PTCI).
- Personal attribution items will show stronger associations with psychopathology than general attribution items, reflecting the heightened impact of self-referential cognitive biases.
- Clinical participants with trauma-related disorders will score higher on maladaptive attribution patterns than non-clinical students, indicating the instrument's sensitivity to trauma-related cognitive profiles.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Non-clinical sample | – | –First-year psychology students - Clinical sample: individuals receiving outpa |
| Clinical sample | – | –Individuals receiving outpatient trauma treatment at PTC ZN |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- * Non-clinical sample: first-year psychology students * Clinical sample: individuals receiving outpatient trauma treatment at PTC ZN
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age ≥ 18
- Sufficient proficiency in Dutch
- For clinical sample: history of traumatic exposure and current trauma-related symptoms
- For non-clinical sample: enrollment as first-year psychology student at Radboud University
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Incomplete questionnaire data
- Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent or questionnaire completion
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
1. Change in Maladaptive Attributional Style (Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions)
Time frame: Baseline
The Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions is a 32-item self-report instrument assessing attributional patterns across four dimensions (locus of causality, controllability, stability, globality) from both general and personal perspectives. Items are scored dichotomously (0 = disagreement; 1 = agreement), yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 32. Higher scores indicate stronger maladaptive attributional patterns. Change from baseline to the specified follow-up point will be calculated.
2 secondary outcomes
2. Change in PTSD Symptom Severity (PCL-5)
Time frame: Baseline
3. Change in Trauma-Related Cognitions (PTCI)
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The individual participant data (IPD) collected in this study will not be shared. The dataset contains sensitive clinical information related to trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms, and full de-identification cannot be guaranteed without compromising data integrity. Sharing such data may pose privacy risks to participants, particularly those in the clinical sample receiving specialized trauma treatment.
Related trials for PTSD
Recruiting
NightWare and Cardiovascular Health in Women With PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Cardiovascular Diseases
Not yet recruiting
A Transdiagnostic Sleep Health Intervention for Veterans With PTSD
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Not yet recruitingPhase 3
Women Who Are Victims of Violence: Treatment of PTSD Through Reactivation of Traumatic Memories Using Propranolol
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD
RecruitingPhase 4
The Effects of Orexin Antagonism on Fear Extinction in PTSD
Insomnia, PTSD
Recruiting
Advancing Skills Through Consultation, Education, and Novel Technologies
PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of PTSD, run by Reinier van Arkel at 1 site in Netherlands.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
1. Change in Maladaptive Attributional Style (Dutch Attribution Questionnaire for Trauma-Related Attributions) (time frame: Baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Mar 2026.