A preliminary investigation of developmentally sensitive items for the assessment of social anxiety in late life

The current study aimed to examine the salience of anxiety-provoking social situations for older adults. A list of potentially anxiety-provoking situations was developed from a review of existing measures of social anxiety. In addition to items derived from existing measures, the investigators generated items thought to be particularly relevant for older adults. One hundred and four older adults were asked, “Please check all situations where you might feel uncomfortable, nervous, scared, worried, embarrassed, or anxious.” Participants were also prompted to record any additional situations in which they experienced anxiety. Older adults endorsed items not included on typical measures of social anxiety at high rates. Exploratory analyses of the effects of gender on item endorsement were examined and significant differences were found for several items. The authors discuss these findings and their implications for the assessment of late-life social anxiety.

► Older adults endorsed items not typically found on measures of social anxiety at high rates.
► Gender differences were found for some items.
► These findings point to the need for a content valid measure of social anxiety in late life.