Post-traumatic stress scale. An adapted version of Davidson's scale ( Davidson et al., 1997) was used, with 17 items which evaluate the frequency of PTSS experienced over the previous two weeks (e.g.,Do you feel anguish when there is an unexpected noise or an abrupt movement?). The responses could range from 1 = never to 6 = nearly every day. The total score was computed by adding the 17 items together. Possible scores range from 17 to 102 points; the higher the score, the stronger the PTSS (α=.93).
The questionnaire also included questions about the demographic characteristics of the participants.