Racial Differences in Measurement of Anxiety Disorders

University Of Virginia Charlottesville, Charlottesville VA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Previous research has demonstrated that African-Americans show unusually high endorsement rates on some scales of standard anxiety assessment instruments. This proposal seeks to investigate the psychometric and cultural mechanisms of this phenomenon, and apply what is learned to the development of culture-fair assessment methods for anxiety disorders. This project will first extend previous work on the psychometric properties of anxiety scales using methods for the detection of differential item functioning (DIF) based in item response theory (IRT). This will be done by utilizing nationwide representative samples of subjects and including, items believed to have cultural significance for African-Americans but which are also used in the assessment of anxiety. Second, a series of experiments will be conducted to investigate possible mechanisms for racial differences, using the ' construct of stereotype threat, as it has been developed by Claude Steele. Third, cultural differences will be investigated via qualitative ethnographic research methods by conducting detailed interviews of Black and White participants. Finally, what is learned from these investigations will be integrated to propose culture-fair methods for assessment of anxiety.