Reliability Generalization of Scores on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

Abstract

A reliability generalization study for Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was conducted. A total of 816 research articles utilizing the STAI between 1990 and 2000 were reviewed and classified as having (a) ignored reliability (73%), (b) mentioned reliability or reported reliability coefficients from another source (21%), or (c) computed reliability for the data at hand (6%). Articles in medically oriented journals were shorter and somewhat less likely to mention or compute reliability than nonmedically oriented articles, perhaps due to paradigm differences. Average reliability coefficients were acceptable for both internal consistency and test-retest, but variation was present among the estimates. State test-retest coefficients were lower than internal consistency coefficients. Score variability was predictive of internal consistency reliability for scores on both scales. Other predictors were the age of research participants, the form of the STAI, and the type of research design.

The predictive value of attentional bias towards pain-related information in chronic pain patients: A diary study

“…Scores for the state and the trait version may vary between 20 and 80. This questionnaire showed a good reliability and validity [4,51]. In the present study, Cronbach's alpha of the STAI-S (STAI state version) and STAI-T (STAI trait version) were respectively .91 and .93.…”

The role of self-esteem and anxiety in decision making for self versus others in relationships

“…We used the trait portion of the state-trait-anxiety inventory (STAI-T) (Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1970). This is a widely used and reliable measure of anxiety (Barnes, Harp, & Jung, 2002). The questionnaire consists of 20 items, which participants answer by choosing (1) almost never, (2) sometimes, (3) often, or (4) almost always, with nine of the items reverse-scored.…”

Does completing a dental anxiety questionnaire increase anxiety? A randomised controlled trial with adults in general dental practice

“…12 The testretest for a state anxiety measure tends not to be calculated as it is typically low, however for the full form of the measure where it has been quoted (seven articles) has been found to be reasonable (mean = 0.70). 13 …”