Scale-Description

The Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (SPAS) is an assessment tool designed to evaluate anxiety symptoms in preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 6). The SPAS aims to identify and assess anxiety symptoms that may manifest during this early developmental period. This tool is primarily used by parents or caregivers to report on their child’s anxiety symptoms, providing valuable information for diagnosis and intervention.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Analysis: Data analysis from the SPAS involves collecting and evaluating responses provided by parents or caregivers. The questionnaire includes various questions related to the child’s anxiety symptoms.
Data Collection: Parents or caregivers complete the SPAS by reporting the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms observed in their child.
Score Calculation: Scores are calculated for each anxiety domain, such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias.
Score Analysis: Total scores and domain scores help assess the severity of the child’s anxiety symptoms. This allows for the identification of potential issues and the design of appropriate interventions.
Analysis includes statistical evaluation of the scale’s reliability (e.g., internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha) and its validity (e.g., comparisons with other anxiety scales).

Purpose

The primary goal of the SPAS is to provide a reliable and valid method for assessing anxiety symptoms in preschool-aged children. The tool aims to detect anxiety symptoms that may impact a child’s development and daily functioning, aiding in early diagnosis and the implementation of suitable interventions.

Calibration

The calibration of the SPAS involves assessing its reliability and validity:
Internal Consistency: Evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure that the scale’s items are consistent and measure the same dimension of anxiety.
Validity: Includes comparisons with other anxiety scales and clinical assessments to confirm that the SPAS effectively measures anxiety symptoms.

Bibliography

Spence, S. H. (1997). Structure of Anxiety Symptoms among Children: A Confirmatory Factor-Analytic Study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 106(2), 280-297.
Spence, S. H. (1998). A measure of anxiety symptoms among children. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36(5), 545-566.
Spence, S. H. (2001). Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale: Development and Validation. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 39(5), 558-574.