PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Life Stressor Checklist - Revised (LSC-R)

Description

The Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R) is a self-report measure that assesses traumatic or stressful life events. The measure has a focus on events relevant to women such as abortion, and can also be used with men. The questionnaire includes 30 life events, including experiences with natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, death of a relative, and other events, following a yes/no response format.

Administration and Scoring

For endorsed events, respondents are asked to provide: age when event began, age when event ended, belief that they were in harm ("yes" or "no"), and feelings of helplessness ("yes" or "no"). In addition, effect on life and how upsetting event was at the time are rated on a five-point intensity scale (1 = "not at all or never" to 5 = "extremely"). Respondents are asked to identify the three events that currently have the greatest impact on them. The LSC-R can be used for clinical or research purposes.

Sample Item

• Item: Has someone close to you died suddenly or unexpectedly (for example, an accident, sudden heart attack, murder, or suicide)?
• Response: Dichotomous item ("yes" or "no")

References

Wolfe, J., & Kimerling, R. (1997). Gender issues in the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PDF). In J. Wilson & T.M. Keane (Eds.), Assessing psychological trauma and PTSD (pp. 192-238). New York: Guilford. PTSDpubs ID: 13558

Additional Reviews

Norris and Hamblen (2004) (PDF) p. 71.

Norris, Fran H. & Hamblen, Jessica L. (2004). Standardized self-report measures of civilian trauma and PTSD. In J.P. Wilson, T.M. Keane & T. Martin (Eds.), Assessing psychological trauma and PTSD (pp. 63-102). New York: Guilford Press. PTSDpubs ID 18638

To Obtain Scale

This measure was created by staff at VA's National Center for PTSD.

Download the Life Stressor Checklist - Revised:

• LSC-R with scoring information (PDF)

Are you using this measure with U.S. Veterans or Service members?

Our PTSD Consultation Program can answer administration or scoring questions: PTSDconsult@va.gov or 866-948-7880.

Measure availability: We provide information on a variety of measures assessing trauma and PTSD. These measures are intended for use by qualified mental health professionals and researchers. Measures authored by National Center staff are available as direct downloads or by request. Measures developed outside of the National Center can be requested via contact information available on the information page for the specific measure.

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