The study reports preliminary evidence of the psychometric properties of the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) as adapted
for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) by Lindsay and Michie (Journal of Mental Deficiency Research, 32, 485–490,
1988). The SAS-ID was administered individually and orally to 137 adults with intellectual disabilities and 96 caregivers. An
internal consistency reliability coefficient of.80 was obtained. The SAS-ID’s convergent validity was demonstrated by significant
correlations ranging from.21 to.60 between the SAS-ID and related self-report measures (Fear Survey for Adults with Mental
Retardation [FSAMR]); and Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults [PIMRA] Total scale, Anxiety subscale, and
Affective (Depression) subscale. In particular, SAS-ID correlated.40 with the FSAMR, and.44 with the PIMRA Anxiety subscale.
Implications of the study are discussed.
Keywords Intellectual disability - Mental retardation - Anxiety - Scale - Adult
We are very grateful to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Ford Foundation, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental
Retardation, and Faculty Research Council of the University of Texas–Pan American for their support; the research assistants
and data collectors; and especially the respondents and participating facilities.