Abstract

Objective: The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAIK) is a frequently used German questionnaire. The study investigates its psychometric properties and norms in a clinical study. Methods: The questionnaire was presented to a clinical sample of n = 320 school-age children (7 to 18 years) prior to beginning therapy. Results: The items indicated a high internal consistency and homogeneity. With regard to dimensions, a one-factor solution was preferred. As to validity, there was a significant difference in total score between the normal and the clinical sample. The sample was also used to provide some normative data. Conclusions: The SPAIK appears to be a reliable and valid measure of childhood social anxiety.