The factor structure and dimensional scoring of the generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire for DSM-IV.
Despite favorable psychometric properties, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) (GAD-Q-IV) does not have a known factor structure, which calls into question use of its original weighted scoring system (usually referred to as the dimensional score). Analyses appropriate to categorical item responses in a large sample of undergraduates were used to establish the scale's factor structure. Analyses indicated that a one-factor structure resulted in good fit. A scoring method based on this one-factor structure was compared with a variety of alternative scoring procedures, and it was found that a method based on factor scores did relatively well but that the previously suggested dimensional score failed to perform better than a simple sum of items. Results support the general unity of the measure but raise doubts regarding its scoring and response options.
Rodebaugh
Thomas L
TL
Washington University in St. Louis. Rodebaugh@wustl.edu
Holaway
Robert M
RM
Heimberg
Richard G
RG
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult