Testing the Factorial Validity and Measurement Invariance of College Student Scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale Across Gender and Race

Abstract

Responses to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale displayed high score reliability (α = .91) and adequate convergent and divergent validity for college undergraduates. The data provided an adequate to excellent fit to the unidimensional model. Measurement invariance was demonstrated for gender and race.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• generalized anxiety disorder
• GAD-7

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie Sriken

Julie Sriken, MS, is a doctoral candidate in community research and action,

Sarah T. Johnsen

Sarah T. Johnsen, MEd, is a graduate of the school counseling program,

Heather Smith

Heather Smith, PhD, is assistant professor of the practice, and

Martin F. Sherman

Bradley T. Erford, PhD, is professor and director of the human development counseling and human development services programs, all in the Department of Human and Organizational Development in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.

Bradley T. Erford

Martin F. Sherman, PhD, is professor emeritus in the Psychology Department at Loyola University Maryland.