Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)
The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a psychological assessment tool developed by Australian psychologist Susan H. Spence in 1998. It is designed to evaluate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 years. The SCAS aims to identify the presence and severity of anxiety symptoms across various domains specific to this age group, recognizing that children experience anxiety differently from adults. It covers six domains: separation anxiety, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attack and agoraphobia, physical injury fears, and generalized anxiety disorder. The scale consists of 44 items that children rate on a 4-point scale, indicating the frequency of their anxiety symptoms. A parent version is also available to assess the parent’s perception of their child’s anxiety symptoms, allowing for a multi-informant approach to assessment. The SCAS is widely utilized by researchers and clinicians worldwide to screen for anxiety disorders, inform treatment planning, and monitor changes in anxiety symptoms over time.
How to Take the SCAS Assessment
To complete the SCAS assessment:
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Access the Assessment: Navigate to the SCAS assessment page at Psychology Tools.
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Understand the Format: The assessment consists of 44 items. Each item describes a feeling or behavior related to anxiety. Respondents are asked to indicate how often each statement applies to them using a 4-point scale:
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Never
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Sometimes
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Often
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Always
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Complete the Assessment: Read each statement carefully and select the response that best reflects your experiences. There are no right or wrong answers; honesty is crucial for accurate assessment.
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Review Results: Upon completion, the assessment will provide a summary of your responses. This summary can help identify areas where anxiety symptoms may be present.
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Consult a Professional: While the SCAS can be a useful screening tool, it is not a diagnostic instrument. If the assessment indicates elevated anxiety symptoms, it is recommended to consult a qualified mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate intervention.
The SCAS is a valuable resource for understanding anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, facilitating early identification and support.
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