Short STAI-Y anxiety scales: validation and normative data for elderly subjects

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop short forms of the STAI-Y trait and state scales and associated norms suitable for the screening of anxiety in elderly populations.

Method: This study was based on population-based cohorts of older persons from two epidemiological French studies that each included one subscale of the STAI-Y, i.e. state and trait anxiety scales. For both scales, the most discriminative items were retained and their factorial structure was examined using principal components analysis. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was estimated and cut-offs and norms were computed.

Results: A 10-item STAI-Y version produced scores similar to those obtained with the full form of the STAI-Y. The factorial structure of the shortened form is comparable to that of the full scales. Results showed good internal consistency (alpha coefficients were 0.92 and 0.85 for short STAI-Y state and trait scales, respectively). Moreover, both short STAI-Y state and trait scales correctly classified 88% of the participants using a cut-off point of 23. Norms for both short trait and state anxiety scales are provided according to age, gender, educational level and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Both shortened scales have similar factorial structure and internal consistency to the longer scales and classify anxious/non-anxious elderly with acceptable accuracy. The shorter form is likely to be more acceptable to elderly persons through reduction of fatigue effects.

Keywords:

• state and trait anxiety
• older adults
• late-life anxiety
• health
• geriatric assessment

Acknowledgement

The PAQUID study was supported by Conseil Régional d'Aquitaine, CNSA, IPSEN Pharma, NOVARTIS Pharma (France). The Three-City study was conducted under a partnership agreement among the ‘Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale’ (INSERM), the University of Bordeaux, and Sanofi-Aventis. The Three-City study is also supported by the « Caisse Nationale Maladie des Travailleurs Salariés, Direction Générale de la Santé, MGEN, Institut de la Longévité, Conseils régionaux d'Aquitaine et de Bourgogne, Fondation de France », the Ministry of Research-INSERM Program « Cohortes et Collections de données biologiques » and the « Fondation Plan Alzheimer ».

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.