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Anxiety sensitivity index: normative data and its differentiation from trait anxiety
B Sandin1, P Chorot, R J McNally
1Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|January 12, 2001
Summary
This study provides normative data for the Spanish Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and confirms it is distinct from trait anxiety. The findings validate the Spanish ASI for assessing anxiety sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Anxiety sensitivity is a predictor of anxiety disorders.
- The Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) measures fear of anxiety-related sensations.
- Validation of the Spanish ASI is needed for Spanish-speaking populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for the Spanish version of the ASI.
- To provide empirical evidence differentiating anxiety sensitivity from trait anxiety.
Main Methods:
- 390 university students completed the Spanish ASI and the Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-T).
- Factor analysis was used to examine the structure of both scales.
- Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) were calculated for the Spanish ASI.
Main Results:
- Normative data for the Spanish ASI were similar to the English version.
- Factor analysis clearly separated ASI items (anxiety sensitivity) from STAI-T items (trait anxiety).
- This supports the construct validity of the Spanish ASI.
Conclusions:
- The Spanish ASI is a valid and reliable measure for assessing anxiety sensitivity.
- Anxiety sensitivity is empirically distinct from trait anxiety.
- Findings support the use of the Spanish ASI in clinical and research settings.
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