Factor structure of the impact of events scale in a non-clinical sample

The factor structure of the Impact of Events Scale (IES) (Horowitz, Wilner & Alvarez, 1979) was examined in relation to the most stressful events experienced by a non-clinical sample during the past 6 months. Three factors emerged, which corresponded to inrusion, conscious avoidance, and denial/numbing. These findings are seen to be consistent with a growing body of evidence that has identified a unitary intrusion factor but two avoidance factors in the IES. The meaningful factor structure identified in response to events that are not generally considered to be capable of producing post-traumatic reactions provides further evidence for intrusion and avoidance being natural responses to a wide range of stressful events.