This article reports on two studies that describe the adaptation of Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (form Y) for people aged 65 and older. The aim of the first study is to assess the necessity to modify the format of the STAI for the aged. Verbal reports of 22 subjects suggest difficulties reading the items, respecting the instructions and using the Likert scale. Item-remainder correlations supported these observations. Therefore, the size of the text was doubled and the state or trait instructions, as well as the choices of the Likert scale, were repeated in each item. A second study is carried out to test if these modifications enhanced the understanding of the items, and simplified the use of the STAI-Y. Verbal report and internal consistency showed a significant improvement. Our results support the recommendation of other authors that adapting an instrument for the elderly necessitates important modifications.
