Evaluating the invariance of the structure of anxiety sensitivity over five weeks of basic cadet training in a large sample of Air Force cadets

Towards a greater understanding of anxiety sensitivity across groups: The construct validity of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3

The present study examined the factor structure, invariance properties, reliability, and validity of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3, Taylor et al., 2007). Participants were recruited from a large, ethnically diverse southwestern university (n = 3651; 77.8% female; M_age = 22.06 years; 28% non-Hispanic White). Findings supported a bifactor structure for the ASI-3, which demonstrated measurement invariance across sex, race/ethnicity, age, and sexual minority status. Furthermore, the ASI-3 demonstrated strong reliability and validity, with the anxiety sensitivity general and specific factors (physical, cognitive, and social concerns) evidencing unique patterns of relations with symptoms of depression, suicidality, anxious arousal, and social anxiety. Clinically, these findings generally support the validity of the ASI-3 in measuring anxiety sensitivity across sex, age, race/ethnicity, and sexual minority status. Future work is needed to better understand the role anxiety sensitivity plays within specific demographic subgroups, particularly African-Americans, Asian Americans, and sexual minorities.

Sixteen-Item Anxiety Sensitivity Index

The present investigation examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the 16-item Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; Reiss Peterson, Gursky, & McNally 1986) in a young adult sample (n = 420) from the Netherlands. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to comparatively evaluate two-factor, three-factor, and four-factor models of the anxiety sensitivity construct. Support was found for a hierarchical structure of anxiety sensitivity, with one global higher-order factor and four lower-order factors. Internal consistency for the global and lower-order factors of the 16-item ASI was adequate. Convergent and discriminant associations between the 16-item ASI and general mood and panic-specific variables were consistent with anxiety sensitivity theory. In addition, incremental validity of the anxiety sensitivity construct was established, relative to negative affectivity, for unexpected panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance.

Ethnoracial differences in anxiety sensitivity: examining the validity of competing anxiety sensitivity index subscales

Despite the increasing number of Americans who are considered to be a part of an ethnoracial minority group, there have been few investigations of the cross-cultural validity of measures of psychopathology. The limited existing literature suggests potential differences between African American (AA) and European American (EA) individuals with respect to the utility of self-report measures, including anxiety sensitivity. Physical, mental, and social domains of anxiety sensitivity are measured using subscales derived from a 3-factor model reported in EA samples despite evidence suggesting that anxiety sensitivity in AA samples is characterized by more distinct physical concerns. The current study compared the concurrent and predictive validity of the traditional anxiety sensitivity subscales representing 3 domains and a 4-subscale formulation based on predictions about the construct in AA samples. Comparisons of both AA (N=41) and EA (N=298) samples are included. Findings suggest some ethnoracial group differences in the concurrent and predictive validity of anxiety sensitivity subscales, specifically supporting the appropriateness and specificity of the 4-factor model of anxiety sensitivity in AA samples. Implications are discussed, including identification of sociocultural mechanisms that might influence psychometric properties of measures of anxiety.

Phenomenon of declining anxiety sensitivity scores: a controlled investigation

BACKGROUND

Repeated administration of anxiety sensitivity measures can often produce declining scores, even in ostensible control groups, which is a significant concern for researchers. The reasons for these changes are as yet unknown, but could be because of regression to the mean in samples selected on extreme scores, exposure to general information about anxiety contained in psychiatric interviews, or mere exposure to anxiety sensitivity information.

METHODS

This study sought to experimentally evaluate these potential explanations using a comprehensive measure of anxiety sensitivity and its subcomponents, a non-anxiety sensitivity measure (self-esteem), and participants representing the full spectrum of anxiety sensitivity.

RESULTS

Results indicated significant decreases in anxiety sensitivity scores (but not self-esteem scores) that could not be accounted for by regression to the mean or exposure to information about anxiety in general.

CONCLUSIONS

Several potential explanations for these findings are reviewed and implications for research study designs are discussed.

Evaluating the invariance of the factor structure of the EPQ-R-N among adolescents

We examined the factor structure of the Neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R-N; S. B. G. Eysenck, Eysenck & Barrett, 1985) and its factor invariance across sex and racial/ethnic groups in a sample of 1,979 adolescents. Using confirmatory factor analyses, we compared a hierarchical model to previous models of the EPQ-R-N and to single-factor and 3-factor structures. The hierarchical factor structure in which a general factor coexists with 3 group factors (depression, social concerns, and worry) was superior to alternative models. The general factor accounted for more than 60% of the variance in EPQ-R-N total scores and was invariant across sex and ethnicity. The 3 group factors varied across ethnicity and sex. We discuss the implications of these findings for conceptualization and assessment of neuroticism using the EPQ-R-N.

Anxiety sensitivity: stability in prospective research

Several recent panic prevention studies suggest that anxiety sensitivity, as measured by the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), may not be stable under certain conditions. In two investigations [Behav. Ther. 32 (2001) 725; Disertation Abstr. Int. 62 (2001) 4226], wait-list or no-treatment conditions produced ASI scores at follow-up that were significantly reduced from baseline and comparable to those of the intervention groups. Although design characteristics could not rule out regression to the mean as the source of these changes, the authors suggested that these findings were most likely due to nonspecific factors such as reassurance, support, or the expectation of receiving subsequent treatment. The present study sought to replicate and extend these findings by analyzing the contribution of a detailed diagnostic assessment on ASI scores. Two cohorts of high-risk-for-panic participants scoring in the high range of the ASI were studied. Cohort 1 received a detailed diagnostic assessment and then either no-treatment or one of two anxiety sensitivity reduction interventions. Cohort 2 did not receive a detailed diagnostic assessment or an intervention. Both groups were followed up 2 weeks after baseline assessment. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that ASI total and subscale scores are unstable in the presence of structured interviews. Participants receiving a diagnostic assessment produced ASI scores that were significantly lower than at baseline with the average ASI score dropping from the high to the average range. ASI scores of participants not receiving a diagnostic assessment, however, were unchanged from baseline.

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

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 = 291; 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.