Explanatory and Confirmatory Factor Structure of Beck Anxiety Inventory in College Sample

Abstract

Introduction

The Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) is a widely used 21-item self-report inventory used to assess anxiety levels in adults and adolescents in both clinical and non-clinical populations. The values for each item are summed yielding an overall or total score for all 21 symptoms that can range between 0 and 63 points. A total score of 0–7 is interpreted as a “Minimal” level of anxiety; 8–15 as “Mild”; 16–25 as “Moderate”, and; 26–63 as “Severe”. There is no study until this date that examines the Explanatory and confirmatory factor structure factor structure of BAI in college student in Kuwaiti.

Objectives

The current study investigated the original four-factor structure of the (BAI) in non-clinical sample of college students.

Methods

Sample one consisted of 540 males and females while sample two consisted of 600 males and females from Kuwait University undergraduates. The Arabic version of BAI was administered to participants. Explanatory factor analysis based on sample one and conformity factor analysis based on sample 2.

Results

The results revealed four factor structures of BAI in the two samples of Kuwaiti students. Which included neurophysiological, subjective, autonomic, and panic factors.

Conclusions

The results of both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis indicated that the original four-factor structures of the BAI do provide the best fit for the college sample.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.