Revisiting the latent structure of the anxiety sensitivity construct: More evidence of dimensionality

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) was initially conceptualized as existing along a continuum; however, emerging evidence from taxometric analyses is mixed as to whether the latent structure of AS is dimensional or taxonic. The purpose of the present study was to further evaluate the latent structure of AS in an effort to clarify the contrasting findings reported in the literature. To do so, we examined the latent structure of AS in two large independent samples unselected with regard to AS level (comprising undergraduate respondents and/or community residents). MAXEIG and MAMBAC analyses were performed with indicator sets drawn from distinct self-report measures of AS within either sample. MAXEIG and MAMBAC, as well as comparison analyses utilizing simulated taxonic and dimensional datasets, yielded converging evidence that AS has a dimensional latent structure. Implications of these finding for the conceptualization and measurement of AS are discussed and future research directions are highlighted.

Research highlights▶ The latent structure of anxiety sensitivity (AS) was assessed in two large independent samples unselected with regard to AS level. ▶ Results of two distinct taxometric procedures – MAXEIG and MAMBAC – supported the dimensional nature of AS. ▶ Evidence of the dimensional nature of AS was also supported by quantifiable measures of data interpretation.