Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index for Children

Anxiety sensitivity is a useful construct in explaining anxiety disorders. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index for Children (ASIC) is a brief self-report designed to assess anxiety sensitivity in youth.

Students (N = 1348; ages 10-17) completed a Spanish translation of the ASIC and measures of anxiety and depression.

Confirmatory factor analyses found that scores on the ASIC- Spanish version can be fitted to two factorial structures: A single factor and two first-order factors grouped into one higher-order factor. The two-factor structure was invariant between children and adolescents, and between boys and girls. The ASIC scales (Total Score, Mental Concerns, and Physical Concerns) demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. ASIC scores were significantly related to measures of anxiety and, to a lesser extent, to a measure of depression.

Results supported the factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity of ASIC scores in Spanish youth.