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Combat Exposure Scale (CES)



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Combat Exposure Scale (CES)

Keane, T., Fairbank, J., Caddell, J., Zimering, R., Taylor, K., & Mora, C., 1989

Description

The Combat Exposure Scale (CES) is a 7-item self-report measure that assesses wartime stressors experienced by combatants. Items are rated on a 5-point frequency (1 = "no" or "never" to 5 = "more than 50 times"), 5-point duration (1 = "never" to 5 = "more than 6 months"), 4-point frequency (1 = "no" to 4 = "more than 12 times") or 4-point degree of loss (1 = "no one" to 4 = "more than 50%") scale. Respondents are asked to respond based on their exposure to various combat situations, such as firing rounds at the enemy and being on dangerous duty. The total CES score (ranging from 0 to 41) is calculated by using a sum of weighted scores, which can be classified into 1 of 5 categories of combat exposure ranging from "light" to "heavy." The CES was developed to be easily administered and scored and is useful in both research and clinical settings.

Sample Item

Were you ever surrounded by the enemy? (1 = "no" to 5 = "more than 12 times").

References

Keane, T., Fairbank, J., Caddell, J., Zimering, R., Taylor, K., & Mora, C. (1989). Clinical evaluation of a measure to assess combat exposure. Psychological Assessment, 1, 53-55.

To obtain scale

Download the PDF


From the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,
US Department of Veterans Affairs.




What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD FAQs
Treatment of PTSD
How common is PTSD?
What can I do if I think I have PTSD?
Helping a Family Member Who Has PTSD
How is PTSD Measured?
Traumatic Stress in Female Veterans
FAQs About PTSD Assessment
DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD
FAQs About PTSD Assessment: For Professionals


Trauma Exposure Measures

Chart - Trauma Exposure Measures
Potential Stressful Events Interview (PSEI)
Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire (SLESQ)
Trauma Assessment for Adults-Self-report (TAA)
Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ)
Trauma History Screen (THS)
Traumatic Events Questionnaire (TEQ)
Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ)
Traumatic Stress Schedule (TSS)
Combat Exposure Scale (CES)
Evaluation of Lifetime Stressors (ELS)
Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R)

Trauma Exposure Measures


PTSD Screening Instruments

Below is a list of links to information on select PTSD Screens, brief questionnaires completed in order to identify people who are more likely to have PTSD. A positive response to the screen does not necessarily indicate that a patient has Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. However, a positive response does indicate that a patient may have PTSD or trauma-related problems and further investigation of trauma symptoms by a mental-health professional may be warranted.

Chart - Screens for PTSD
Short Form of the PTSD Checklist - Civilian Version
Short Screening Scale for PTSD
The SPAN
SPRINT
The Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ)
Beck Anxiety Inventory - Primary Care (BAI-PC)

PTSD Screening

PLEASE NOTE: Screens are to be used to determine possible problems, and positive cases should be followed up by assessment with a structured interview for PTSD.


Common Reactions to Trauma

People experience a range of reactions following trauma. Here you will find information on what these common reactions are, including anger, nightmares, sleep problems, and more.

Avoidance
Nightmares
Anger and Trauma
Sleep and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What Are the Traumatic Stress Effects of Terrorism?
Common Reactions After Trauma





If you are in an immediate crisis, please go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call 911, or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk to someone right now.




O'er, the land of the free and the home of the brave!