Anxiety sensitivity is a transdiagnostic risk factor for internalizing psychopathology in children and adults. Several factor analytic studies have examined the factor structure of anxiety sensitivity in children, adolescents, and adults. However, to date, no studies have specifically examined the factor structure of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 in older adults. The purpose of the current study was to compare the fit of a correlated three-factor, higher-order, and bifactor model of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) in a sample of older adults. Participants were 856 older adults aged 60-94 recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated good model fit for the bifactor model and the higher-order model and adequate fit for the correlated three-factor model. These results suggests that the ASI-3 is a valid tool assessing anxiety sensitivity in older adults. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-022-00736-9.
Keywords: Aging; Anxiety sensitivity; Anxiety sensitivity index; Factor analysis; Internalizing; Older adults.
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