Psychometric Analysis of the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index in Elementary School Students from Arequipa City

Arias W.G.; Rivera R.; Leiva G.R.; Fernanda Costa M.G. · Revista Chilena de Neuro-Psiquiatria (2023) · DOI: 10.4067/s0717-92272023000200148

Resumen

Introduction: The anxiety sensitivity is a few known theoretical construct, although it has a relevant clinical worth, because it is a powerful predictor of the anxiety disorders, so as in children, as in adolescents and adults. Moreover, in Peru there are few psychometric tests that assess children anxiety, and even fewer about anxiety sensitivity. Objective: In this research, it was made a psychometric analysis of the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) with the aim to estimate the validity and reliability of this test that has not been applied in Peruvian population. Method: A non-probabilistic sample of 568 students among 8 and 12 years old was assessed of five elementary school from Arequipa City, in Peru. The data was processed with multiple group confirmatory factor analysis by R program. Results: The results confirm a two factors structure: Fear of body sensations and Fear of mental and social symptoms, with acceptable reliability indexes calculated by McDonald’s Omega Test. Conclusion: The conclusion is that the CASI is valid and reliable; perhaps it is suggested to investigate another psychometric properties of this test.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica San Pablo