Adaptation and psychometric functioning of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale for Children (SCAS-C) in the Peruvian child population

Travezaño-Cabrera A.; Vilca L.W.; Leyva-Zambrano C.; Rojas-Mendoza E.; Alania-Marin V. · Suma Psicologica (2025) · DOI: 10.14349/sumapsi.2025.v32.n2.7

Resumen

Introduction/objective: Worldwide, the prevalence of mental disorders in children is 10%, with anxiety disorders being the most common (6.5%). In Peru, a prevalence of 2% of generalised anxiety in children is estimated. Anxiety disorders affect academic, social, and family development, generating significant annual costs. In this context, it is essential to have instruments that allow for rapid detection of anxiety disorders. The present study aims to adapt and show the psychometric properties of the SCAS-C in children. Method: The sample comprised 725 Peruvian schoolchildren (47.31% males and 52.69% females) aged 8 to 12 years (M = 10.26; SD = 1.25). Result: It was found that the model of 3 related dimensions showed adequate fit indices (.038) and was invariant concerning sex and psychological treatment received. Furthermore, it showed adequate reliability values. Conclusion: SCAS-C shows robust psychometric properties to measure three types of anxiety disorder in children and, given its brevity, enables rapid detection in primary care settings.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Unión; Universidad Señor de Sipán