The Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27): reliability of the German translation, factor structure, and concurrent validity with anxiety sensitivity and agoraphobic cognition

• DOI: 10.1007/s00115-025-01806-w
• Publication Date: 2025-03-17T14:04:28Z
• Authors: Patrik D. Seuling; Michael G. Gottsc...; Melanie Vietz; Ulrike Lueken; Tina B. Lonsdorf; Udo Dannlowski; Paul Pauli; Jürgen Deckert; Stefano Pini; Vijaya Manicavasagar; Katharina Domschke; Miriam A. Schiele
• Keywords: Anxiety sensitivity; Separation (statistics); Concurrent validity

Abstract Background Separation anxiety disorder (SEPAD) is characterized by pronounced fear or concerning separation from attachment figures. Despite its high lifetime prevalence, adult SEPAD often remains undetected due to a lack of diagnostic tools in multiple languages. The Adult Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27) key instrument for assessing symptoms adults. However, no validated German version available. Objectives This study addressed the translation and validation ASA-27 German-speaking population introduce first questionnaire SEPAD. Materials methods A consecutive forward backward was conducted. Reliability validity against several established anxiety-related psychometric scores were assessed large sample 1520 healthy participants. Results revealed robust internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87) factor structure explaining 49.7% variations answers. Concurrent confirmed through significant correlations with measures. Younger age female sex positively correlated scores. Conclusion constitutes promising tool sound properties coherent structure, offering structured reliable assessment dimensional evaluation populations.