The factor structure, reliability and validity of the arabic version of multidimensional anxiety scale for children 2nd edition (masc 2)‎ in a sample of children and adolescents

Abstract EN

Background : Anxiety disorders are most prevalent among the population aged from eight to sixteen years.

Anxiety has negative effects on school attendance, academic achievement and increases the risk of physical and mental illness in the adulthood.

Assessment of anxiety disorders among the young population has specific characteristics due to different developmental levels and life experience.

Methods : Target sample consisted of (550) children aged from 9 to 15 years and they were randomly selected from 7 different schools.

Questionnaires MASC-2 and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)were used as research instruments.

Test-retest reliability was checked two weeks after MASC-2 was distributed for the first time.

Results : It was determined that MASC-2 had high internal consistency and high test-retest reliability.

Correlation between MASC-2 and SCARED was strong and positive (r = .76).

Results also showed that the theoretical five-factor structure was confirmed on the research sample.

Conclusions : Arabic version of MASC-2 showed satisfactory psychometric properties and the factor structure was confirmed.

This version of the questionnaire is appropriate for distribution among Saudi children and adolescents.