Argentinean validation of the Early Trauma Inventory–Self-Report (ETI-SR) in an adult sample.

Objective Adverse childhood experiences affect long-term mental and physical health. In Argentina, the lack of validated tools limits accurate assessment of early trauma and hinders prevention strategies. This study adapted and validated the Early Trauma Inventory-Self-Report Short Form for Argentine adults and provided an initial standardized estimate of early trauma prevalence.Method A total of 418 Argentine adults (M = 30.6, SD = 10.1; 74.4% female) completed the Early Trauma Inventory-Self-Report Short Form through web-based data collection. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using the weighted least squares estimator to evaluate competing models. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω coefficients. External validity was examined through correlations with age and educational level.Results The bifactor model demonstrated the best fit to the data, supporting the presence of both a general trauma factor and specific trauma domains. Internal consistency indices were acceptable for most subscales, although lower values were observed for the general trauma dimension. Positive associations were found among trauma dimensions, and physical trauma showed significant relationships with age and educational level. High prevalence rates of early trauma were observed, with most participants reporting at least one adverse experience.Conclusions The Early Trauma Inventory-Self-Report shows adequate psychometric properties for use in Argentina, providing preliminary support for its validity in this context. These findings contribute to addressing an important limitation in health measurement and support the development of standardized assessments for early trauma in Argentina. Further research using more representative samples is needed to confirm these results. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).