Factor structure of the Chinese version of the Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARRED)

The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCAARED). The original SCAARED was translated into Chinese and administered 6371 Chinese college students (45.4% females, mean age 18.64 ± 0.89) aged 17-28. The factor structure of SCAARED in Chinese was examined by confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Internal consistency and criterion-related validity were also evaluated. The four-factor structure of the SCAARED (generalizing anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder) fit the sample well. The SCAARED and its each dimension demonstrated good internal consistency, split-half reliability and criterion-related validity. Similar to other versions of SCAARED, Chinese version of the SCAARED showed that excellent psychometric properties. These findings support that the SCAARED is a reliable and valid anxiety disorder screening instrument in Chinese college students. Future replication studies are warranted in diverse samples and clinical populations.