Title

A cross-sectional evaluation of the factorial invariance of anxiety sensitivity in adolescents and young adults

Authors

Authors

C. Dehon; C. F. Weems; T. R. Stickle; N. A. Costa;S. L. Berman

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Behav. Res. Ther.

Keywords

anxiety sensitivity; anxiety; factorial invarience; developmental; differences; youth; depression; PANIC-ATTACKS; ANXIOUS SYMPTOMS; INDEX; CHILDREN; DISORDERS; PATHOGENESIS; DEPRESSION; YOUTH; Psychology, Clinical

Abstract

This study examined the cross-sectional factorial invariance of anxiety sensitivity in an ethnically diverse sample of adolescents (n = 173; mean age 15.5 years) and young adults (n = 29 1; mean age 20.1 years). Research in adult and youth samples suggests that anxiety sensitivity is best understood as a hierarchical construct with several lower-order factors. Factor models based on previous research using both adult and youth samples were compared and a hierarchical model with three lower-order factors provided the best fit to the data. Results supported the hypothesis that the factor structure of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index was invariant across age and gender. The factor scores also demonstrated differential correlations with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results are discussed with regard to construct validation and understanding the structure of anxiety sensitivity in youth. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume

43

Issue/Number

6

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

799

Last Page

810

WOS Identifier

WOS:000229663000008

ISSN

0005-7967

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