Adapting the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) methodology for the Ukrainian-speaking population

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present and test an adaptation of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) methodology for the Ukrainian-speaking population affected by the war in Ukraine. The study focuses on developing a reliable instrument to assess trauma-induced psychopathology among children and adolescents, taking into account the unique cultural and contextual characteristics of the target population. Research methods. The study uses a combination of theoretical analysis and psychometric evaluation methods to test the reliability and validity of the adapted CATS questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including internal consistency analysis, component analysis, and factor analysis, were performed using R software version 4.2.2. Results. The adapted CATS methodology demonstrates high internal consistency (α = 0.850) and has a three-factor structure that explains various aspects of the impact of trauma and related symptoms on Ukrainian children and adolescents. Confirmatory factor analysis has indicated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices, confirming the validity of the adapted CATS questionnaire in assessing trauma-related psychopathology in the target population. Conclusions. The study concludes that the adapted CATS methodology is a valid tool for identifying traumatic psychopathology in Ukrainian children and adolescents who have suffered from war. Using it provides greater understanding of the war’s impact on mental health. In addition, analysis of the methodology points to the importance of culturally sensitive screening tools in addressing the mental health crisis among war-affected populations. By providing a reliable means of identifying psychological distress, the adapted CATS questionnaire can facilitate targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of trauma and enhance resilience among Ukrainian youth. Keywords: Childhood and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), adaptation, psychometric assessment, traumatic psychopathology, Ukrainian-speaking population, mental health crisis