Developmental Trauma Assessment Test

Understand how early mother child attachment disruptions may shape codependent patterns in just 8 minutes. A 40 item, research based screen offers fast, actionable insight for counseling and treatment planning.

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Questions: 408 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

10,428 views

2,250 completions

1,005 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

70/160

Developmental Trauma (DT)

Measures the severity of developmental trauma-related symptoms linked to early disruptions in caregiver relationships that can affect autonomy, self-esteem, and dependency patterns.

Low

Moderate

High

40 – 82: Low | 83 – 120: Moderate | 121 – 160: High

A score of 70 falls in the Low range, suggesting relatively few indicators of developmental trauma-related symptoms on this scale.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Adults struggling with codependency

44%OF USERS

They recognize patterns like over-responsibility, fear of abandonment, and low self-worth and want to see if early caregiver trauma may be driving them.

Clients in therapy or coaching

33%OF USERS

They take it as a quick check-in during personal work to clarify how early attachment disruptions might shape current emotions and relationship choices.

Psychologists and counselors

23%OF USERS

They use it to quickly screen for developmental trauma themes and guide case formulation, supervision, and treatment planning.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Used in 52+ countries

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Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Developmental Trauma (DT)

Average

89.6

Normal range

72.5 — 106.8

min.

max.

160

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this assessment measure?

It screens for signs of early developmental disruptions linked to prenatal, birth-related, and early attachment experiences. The focus is on patterns that can contribute to dependency, insecurity, and low self-esteem in adulthood.

Who is this assessment intended for?

It is intended for adults in counseling, supervision, or self-reflection who want to examine possible early contributors to current relational and emotional patterns. It can also support clinical intake by identifying areas for follow-up.

How is the assessment completed?

A series of 40 statements is rated based on typical feelings and behaviors. Completion time is approximately 8 minutes.

How are the results interpreted?

Scores indicate the likelihood and intensity of indicators associated with early developmental trauma. Results should be used as a screening guide and interpreted alongside clinical history and current functioning.

Is this assessment a diagnostic tool?

No; it does not provide a diagnosis or determine causality. It identifies risk indicators that may warrant further assessment or therapeutic exploration.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Developmental Trauma Assessment Test - Symptoms and Signs

childhood trauma codependency

This self-report instrument is designed to screen for experiences commonly associated with early developmental adversity. The Developmental Trauma Assessment is intended to help identify the possible presence of early relational disruptions and related sequelae that may inform case formulation.

It consists of 40 items and typically takes about 8 minutes to complete. Items query themes such as early caregiving experiences and attachment-related distress; results are generally interpreted as an initial indicator of potential developmental trauma exposure rather than a standalone diagnosis. The Developmental Trauma Assessment has been attributed to Bessel A. van der Kolk and may be used in clinical intake, consultation, or as an adjunct to a broader psychosocial assessment.

Author: Bessel A. van der Kolk

Literature: Briere, J., & Scott, C. Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. SAGE Publications. 2015.

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