The social phobia and anxiety inventory for children (SPAI-C): External and discriminative validity

Abstract

Psychometric properties of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAI-C) were determined using a sample of 254 children. External validity was examined by comparing children's SPAI-C scores with (a) independent observers' ratings of skill and anxiety in social interaction and social performance tasks and (b) parental report of social anxiety. Discriminative validity was determined by examining the ability of the SPAI-C to differentiate children with social phobia from those with other anxiety disorders. Finally, race and gender differences were examined. The results indicated that SPAI-C scores for the entire sample differed by gender but not by race. However, African American children with social phobia had significantly lower scores than Caucasian children with this disorder. Regarding external validity, SPAI-C scores correlated significantly with parental reports of children's social fears and with independent observer ratings of behavioral skill. Finally, SPAI-C scores successfully differentiated children with social phobia from children with other anxiety disorders. The results are discussed in terms of the SPAI-C's external and discriminative validity and children's performance based on race and gender.