A psychometric evaluation of the parent report form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children--Trait Version

We examined the psychometric characteristics of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-Parent Report-Trait Version (STAIC-P-T) [Strauss, C. (1987). Modification of trait portion of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-Parent Form. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida], a brief, parent report paper-and-pencil measure of child chronic anxiety, in a large clinic-referred sample. Internal consistency coefficients were high and retest reliability coefficients were in the moderate range. Convergent validity evidence was mixed in its support for the measure, with evidence most supportive within reporter and within parental dyad. Divergent validity evidence provided less support for the measure, but was largely consistent with past research. Regression analyses indicated that parent reports on the STAIC-P-T were not significantly related to a parent's own level of symptomatology. Overall, the study provides mixed support for the psychometrics of the STAIC-P-T.