Avaliação da ansiedade na infância : construção de instrumento e investigação de qualidades psicométricas

Abstract

Anxiety Disorder is the mental disorder that is most prevalent in children, especially Separation Anxiety Disorder. For an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to carry out a careful clinical evaluation, and, consequently, a rigorous choice of the test that has evidence of validity, in order to guarantee an effective intervention. However, the literature points to the scarcity of instruments for assessing childhood anxiety. Aiming to contribute to the advancement of the area, the present work aims to develop and seek initial psychometric evidence for an instrument to assess anxiety in childhood, which is called Child Anxiety Indicators (IAI). The methodology was divided into four stages: systematic literature review, item construction, study of content-based validity evidence and pilot study. The first study indicated the scarcity of instruments aimed at the Brazilian child population. In turn, the construction process was based on the descriptions described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory. The third study had the collaboration of 6 judges, the results pointed to the good quality of content of 57 items of the 62 developed. Finally, the fourth study involved the collaboration of 16 children aged six to 12 enrolled in public and private schools. The results indicated the need for adjustments in the response format, the items were well understood and no adjustments or changes in content were necessary. Thus, it is concluded that the IAI presents good initial psychometric qualities. However, it is important to highlight that continuous refinement of the instrument is necessary to fill any identified gaps. This study is part of the measurement and intervention line.