Inventory-Description

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC-40) is an assessment tool designed to evaluate anxiety levels in children and adolescents aged 9 to 12 years. The STAIC-40 measures two different types of anxiety:
State Anxiety: Anxiety related to specific situations or events that can change quickly.
Trait Anxiety: The general, persistent level of anxiety that characterizes the child across various situations.
The scale includes 40 items, with 20 items assessing state anxiety and 20 items assessing trait anxiety. Items are rated on a Likert scale.

Data Analysis and Use

Data Analysis:
Data Collection: The STAIC-40 is completed by the child with support from an adult, such as a parent or teacher if necessary. The items assess the frequency and intensity of anxiety-related feelings.
Scoring Instructions: Each item is rated using a Likert scale, typically from 1 (not at all) to 3 (very much). The total score for state anxiety and trait anxiety is computed separately by summing the ratings for the relevant items.
Score Analysis: Scores for state anxiety and trait anxiety are analyzed to evaluate anxiety levels. Analysis includes assessing the internal consistency of the tool using Cronbach’s alpha and comparing scores to normative values for the age group.
Use of Data:
Diagnosis and Assessment: The STAIC-40 helps in diagnosing anxiety disorders and assessing the intensity of anxiety in various situations.
Intervention Design: Results from the STAIC-40 can be used to develop individualized interventions and coping strategies for managing anxiety.
Progress Monitoring: The tool can be used to monitor treatment progress and changes in anxiety levels over time.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the STAIC-40 is to provide a reliable and valid method for assessing anxiety levels in children and adolescents. The tool aims to diagnose anxiety disorders, assess state and trait anxiety, and design appropriate interventions to support children’s mental health.

Scoring

Internal Consistency: Evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha to ensure that the items on the scale measure the same type of anxiety. Typically, Cronbach’s alpha scores for state and trait anxiety are high, indicating good internal consistency.
Validity: The STAIC-40 has been validated through comparisons with other anxiety scales and clinical assessments. Its validity is confirmed based on its ability to differentiate between children with and without anxiety disorders.

Bibliography

Spielberger, C. D., & Edwards, C. D. (1973). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children: Manual. Consulting Psychologists Press.
Spielberger, C. D., Gorsuch, R. L., & Lushene, R. E. (1970). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Consulting Psychologists Press.
Spielberger, C. D. (1972). The Experience and Expression of Anger: The STAI for Children. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 28(2), 262-272.