The Factorial Structure of the Chinese Version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Abstract

The factor structure of responses to the Chinese version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (C-STAI) in a sample of 2150 Chinese secondary school students was examined using the LIS-REL approach to confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that a 3-factor model (State+, Calmness, and Happiness) and a 2-factor model (Trait+ and Trait-) could provide an adequate fit for the item responses to the A-State and A-Trait scales, respectively. When all item responses were included for analyses, it was found that while a 4-factor model (State+, State-, Trait+, and Trait-) was able to fit the data, a 5-factor model (State+, Calmness, Happiness, Trait+, and Trait-) was found to provide the best fit. The factorial structure of the C-STAI is discussed with reference to previous research findings and conceptual frame-works on the STAI.

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