On comparing competing structural models of PTSD: comments on Miller et al.

In this commentary, the author evaluates the results and conclusions of Miller et al. (2010) with respect to the debate surrounding the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) structural models of King, Leskin, King, and Weathers (1998) and Simms, Watson, and Doebbeling (2002). Although Miller et al. are to be commended for attempting to move this literature forward through a comparative assessment of the models' respective convergent and discriminant validities, the author questions their conclusions based on the data presented. His read of their data, in the context of the broader literature, is that the Simms model has advantages over the King model with respect to discriminant validity. It is premature to declare a winner in the ongoing debate on the merits of these structural models.