Korean Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3: its factor structure, reliability, and validity in non-clinical samples

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Cross-cultural Psychology
• Anxiety Disorders

Background:

• Anxiety sensitivity, the fear of anxiety-related sensations, is a significant factor in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders.
• The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) is a widely used measure, but its psychometric properties require validation in diverse populations.
• Understanding cultural nuances in anxiety expression is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the factorial structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of the Korean version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (K-ASI-3).
• To investigate potential cross-cultural differences in the Social Concerns factor of the K-ASI-3 between Korean and European-American samples.
• To confirm the reliability and psychometric soundness of the K-ASI-3 for use in Korean student populations.

Main Methods:

• The K-ASI-3 was administered to non-clinical student samples in Korea.
• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to assess the factorial structure.
• Internal consistency and concurrent validity were examined using established psychometric procedures.

Main Results:

• Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated an adequate fit for the K-ASI-3 structure when compared to European-American samples.
• The K-ASI-3 demonstrated strong internal consistency and concurrent validity in the Korean student sample.
• The Social Concerns factor was significantly associated with life satisfaction and worry, but no cross-cultural differences were found compared to European Caucasians.

Conclusions:

• The Korean version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (K-ASI-3) is a psychometrically sound and internally consistent measure.
• The K-ASI-3 reliably assesses Physical, Social, and Cognitive Concerns related to anxiety sensitivity.
• The findings support the use of the K-ASI-3 for research and clinical practice in Korean student populations, with no significant cultural variations in social concerns observed.