Impact of Event Scale – Revised [IES-R-22]

Questionnaire Description

The Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) is a psychometric instrument used to assess psychological reactions following traumatic events. It provides information about the intensity of symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress and helps describe how individuals are affected by traumatic experiences.

Aim

The main aim of the IES-R is to evaluate emotional and cognitive reactions following traumatic experiences and to estimate the severity of trauma-related symptoms. The results may also support further clinical assessment and treatment planning.

Structure and Dimensions

The scale consists of 22 items and assesses three main dimensions:

Intrusion: includes flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event.

Avoidance: refers to efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or reminders associated with the trauma.

Hyperarousal: includes symptoms such as nervousness, concentration difficulties, increased vigilance, and sleep disturbances.

Scoring

Participants respond using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4, where 0 = “Not at all” and 4 = “Extremely”, indicating the extent to which they have experienced each symptom during the previous seven days.

The total score ranges from 0 to 88, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. Separate scores can also be calculated for the three subscales: Intrusion, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal.

Applications

The IES-R can be used in clinical and research settings to assess psychological distress following traumatic experiences and to monitor the intensity of trauma-related symptoms. It is primarily a symptom assessment instrument rather than a stand-alone diagnostic tool.

References

Weiss, D. S., & Marmar, C. R. (1997). The Impact of Event Scale – Revised. In Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD (pp. 399–411). Guilford Press.

Creamer, M., Bell, R., & Failla, S. (2003). Psychometric properties of the Impact of Event Scale – Revised. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(12), 1489–1496.

Beck, J. G., Grant, D. M., Clapp, J. D., & Palyo, S. A. (2008). Understanding the interpersonal impact of trauma: Contributions of PTSD and depression. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(2), 284–300.