The Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised: normative developmental data in Italy

Percept Mot Skills. 2010 Apr;110(2):625-46. doi: 10.2466/PMS.110.2.625-646.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore children's fear content. Using the Italian Fear Survey Schedule for Children, an Italian-language version of Ollendick's Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised (1983), the study assessed the reliability of the survey and reported intensity, prevalence, and content of fears in children aged six to 10 years, using this questionnaire. 1,845 school children (931 girls, 914 boys; M age=8.3 yr., SD=1.4) were asked to complete the survey, indicating what they thought were their fears, and the intensity of those fears. Sex and age differences were also examined. Girls endorsed significantly higher fearfulness than did boys. Few age differences were found, with seven-year-olds appearing more fearful than 10- to 11-year-old children. Results were interpreted in relation to developmental changes. Cross-national comparisons were discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Fear*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Language*
  • Male
  • Personality Development*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Translating