In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 18, No. 5 ( 2023-5-11), p. e0285435-
Abstract:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental disorders in Malaysia. Psychometrically sound measurements are urgently needed to assess anxiety symptoms. The extensively used Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) is a promising candidate. However, studies on its factorial validity show mixed findings. While the one-factor solution has been replicated in different cultural contexts, some studies found different factorial structures instead. This study aimed to clarify the factorial validity of the English version of the GAD-7 in the Malaysian context. The responses collected from 1272 emerging to older adults in Malaysia were randomly divided into two halves and submitted to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) respectively. Four acceptable models were explored in EFA ranging from unidimensional factor with 7 items to 3-factor models with 6 items. The four models revealed in EFA and the other competing models found in past studies were then examined and compared using CFA. The 6-item second-order model with a general factor of anxiety and three first-order factors with two items respectively (i.e., GAD-6) showed a more harmonic result and hence, is preferable. Moreover, the GAD-6 and its three subscales also showed satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity. This study uncovers a new and unique factorial structure of the GAD screening tool that fits in the Malaysian context. The scale may reveal GAD symptomatic dimensions that guide clinical interventions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0285435.r004
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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