The golden standard of the exploration questionnaires of PTSD, the CAPS scales, should be applied by a clinician. In a non clinical context and just as a screening tool for criterium A, I would use one of the questionnaires you can find under:

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/te-measures/index.asp

or just the "Vital events questionnaire of the CAPSA scales"

best regards

Dr. F. Orengo

Thank you, Dr. Orengo, for your concise answer and link information. Besrt regards A. Hammer

I have studied with refugee populations for years and I agree with Francisco's response completely. You need to have supports readily available if discussing traumatic experiences.You might have to have a smaller sample if you are doing this as it can be expensive--but I guarantee you will have more ethical data that way. Will you be interviewing them at reception/welcome centres?

Even when you are not discussing trauma, be prepared, even in a survey setting, for these discussions. I remember vividly learning this lesson during my dissertation studies. The survey we conducted with refugees was intended to get their views of their settlement experiences one year and five years after arrival to Canada. At the end of almost every structured interview, the participants, unexpectedly shared their pre-arrival experiences. We had to ensure that a list of mental health and counseling services was left with each family after the visit in case the interviews did bring up traumatic events.

Dear Mrs. Wilkinson, dear Mr. Kratzer. Thank you for your answers.

I also agree with the assumption that there is lack of research regarding my question especially in the non-medical counseling of refugees. Best regards Andreas Hammer