Evaluating SCARED Psychometric Properties in Saudi Arabia Children

This report examines the psychometric properties of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) in a non-clinical sample of children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. The study, authored by Arwa Arab, Mogeda El Keshky, and Julie Hadwin, aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the self-report SCARED. The research highlights the negative impacts of anxiety on daily life and peer relationships, noting that anxiety symptoms are less visible compared to other health issues. Using a DSM-based questionnaire, the study found a significant positive correlation between anxiety symptoms and parental behavior. Results indicate that self-reported anxiety decreased with age and was more prevalent in adolescent girls. The authors suggest that SCARED can be used to identify individuals at risk of developing anxiety disorders in childhood, emphasizing the importance of addressing anxiety, which is a significant issue, particularly among Arabian women compared to men in Saudi Arabia.