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.
