Persons exposed to one or more traumatic events may exhibit disabling symptoms 
that have become known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who spend 
a significant amount of time in contact with individuals with PTSD develop symptoms of 
PTSD without an initial trauma, known as STSD (Secondary traumatic Stress Disorder). 
Limited support has been given to spouses of veterans, who show an increased risk of 
symptoms of STSD. Evaluation and treatment has been hindered by a lack of consistent 
assessment tools targeting that population. For this project four existing screening tools 
were adapted into a single tool for use with spouses of veterans in outpatient and 
emergency settings. Focus groups composed of subject matter experts were used to refine 
the tool. The final tool consists of a two-tier conditional instrument with a total of 38 
questions. This tool is planned to be validated with the target population of spouses of 
veterans at a later date.