Assessing anxiety sensitivity in inner-city African American children: psychometric properties of the childhood anxiety sensitivity index

Abstract

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI; Silverman et al., 1991) in a sample of urban African American elementary school children. One hundred forty-four 4th- and 5th-grade children completed the CASI as part of a larger project. In contrast to prior research with community samples, CASI total scores were higher and means did not differ by sex. Internal consistency (alpha =.82), 2-week test-retest reliability (r =.80), and convergent and divergent validity were good and consistent with prior research. The factor structure of the CASI differed from the structure found with White children. Results of exploratory factor analyses suggest two factors: physical concerns and mental incapacitation concerns. Implications for assessing anxiety and anxiety sensitivity among African American children are discussed.