Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)

The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a self-report questionnaire used to assess anxiety symptoms in children. This scale covers various anxiety-related areas, such as worry, fear, and physical symptoms. The SCAS is commonly used in clinical and educational settings to understand anxiety levels in children and adolescents.

Question	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
1. I worry about things.
2. I am scared of the dark.
3. When I have a problem, my heart beats really fast.
4. I worry that something bad will happen to me.
5. I feel afraid when I have to talk in front of my class.
6. I worry about doing badly in my school work.
7. I feel afraid when I think something bad will happen to me.
8. I worry about making mistakes.
9. I worry about being away from my parents.
10. I feel scared if I have to sleep on my own.
11. I have trouble breathing when I feel scared or anxious.
12. I worry about things that can happen to my family.
13. I feel nervous when I have to perform in front of others.
14. I feel afraid of going to school.
15. I feel worried when I meet new people.
16. I feel scared of dogs or other animals.
17. I feel afraid of heights.
18. I worry about not doing well in my schoolwork.
19. I feel afraid of getting sick.
20. I worry about having to go to the doctor.
21. I feel afraid of crowded places.
22. I worry about my future.
23. I am afraid to be in small spaces, like elevators.
24. I feel scared if I have to use public restrooms.
25. I worry about being alone.
26. I feel afraid of storms.
27. I worry about how I look.
28. I worry about getting lost.
29. I feel nervous around new people.
30. I feel afraid if I have to go to the dentist.
31. I worry about making a fool of myself in front of others.
32. I am afraid of heights.
33. I am afraid of large groups of people.
34. I feel scared of the dark.
35. I am afraid of getting hurt.
36. I worry about being embarrassed.
37. I worry about doing badly on school tests.
38. I worry about being left out.
39. I feel afraid when I have to speak in front of people.
40. I am scared of meeting new people.
41. I worry about being teased or bullied.
42. I feel nervous when I do not know what to expect.
43. I worry about getting in trouble.
44. I worry about saying the wrong thing in social settings.
45. I worry about trying new activities.
45. I feel scared if I have to sleep on my own.

Understanding the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)

The SCAS is specifically designed to assess anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. Covering areas like worry, fear, and physical symptoms, it provides a comprehensive view of anxiety levels in younger individuals. This tool is helpful for parents, educators, and healthcare providers in identifying anxiety-related issues early and providing the necessary support.

Interpreting Your SCAS Score

The SCAS score reflects a child’s general anxiety level. A low score suggests minimal anxiety, while higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of anxiety-related concerns. This tool is not a diagnostic instrument but serves as a useful indicator. High scores can prompt further evaluation by a healthcare professional for a better understanding of any potential issues.

Managing Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children can be managed through supportive techniques such as teaching relaxation skills, encouraging open communication, and providing a safe environment to express feelings. For moderate or high anxiety levels, involving a mental health professional can help in creating personalized strategies to address these concerns, promoting a healthier mental state.

When to Seek Professional Help

If a child exhibits consistent signs of anxiety that impact their daily life, seeking support from a mental health professional is essential. Early intervention can provide coping skills, reduce anxiety, and improve a child’s overall well-being. Recognizing when to seek help is a vital step in ensuring children receive the guidance they need.