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Appraisal of Social Concerns: A cognitive assessment instrument for social phobia
Author(s) -
Telch Michael J.,
Lucas Richard A.,
Smits Jasper A.J.,
Powers Mark B.,
Heimberg Richard,
Hart Trevor
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6394
pISSN - 1091-4269
DOI - 10.1002/da.20004
Subject(s) - psychology , clinical psychology , reliability (semiconductor) , cognition , psychological intervention , construct validity , learned helplessness , exploratory factor analysis , internal consistency , psychometrics , psychiatry , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
The current study describes the validation of a new cognitive assessment measure for social phobia, entitled the Appraisal of Social Concerns (ASC). Item content is relevant to a range of social situations. The ASC can be used to tailor interventions to patients' idiosyncratic concerns. Data are presented from both clinical ( n =71) and non‐clinical ( n =550) samples. Preliminary data indicate that the ASC has good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The construct validity of the ASC is comparable to that of well‐established measures in use with social phobics. A strength of the ASC is its sensitivity to the effect of treatment. An exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors tapping concerns about negative evaluation, observable symptoms, and social helplessness. Subscale scores were strongly correlated. Preliminary findings suggest that the ASC is a psychometrically sound, time efficient instrument that can be used for both clinical and research purposes. Depression and Anxiety 19:217–224, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.