Psychometric Properties of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait (STAI-T) in Argentinian Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait dimension (STAI-T), Form X. A total of 798 Argentinian adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14; SD = 1.31) participated in this study. The psychometric properties of the instrument were analyzed from the contributions of the Rasch model, which allowed us to assess the measurement model fit, response threshold order, item and person fit, local dependence, differential item functioning (DIF), reliability, targeting, and unidimensionality. The results showed that the STAI-T, anxiety-absent items, and anxiety-present items presented values close to the expected ones for item and person fit, ordered response categories, appropriate reliability levels, and adequate targeting. Only in anxiety-absent items, it was possible to verify compliance with unidimensionality, whereas in anxiety-present items there were items with local dependence or showing DIF. The present study provides empirical evidence based on a rigorous measurement model that allows corroborating the validity of the scale to assess anxiety in Argentinian adolescents.