The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is an effective psychological assessment tool for evaluating anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. Created by Dr. Susan H. Spence, this self-report questionnaire is designed to help identify various anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias.
Comprising multiple-choice questions, children are asked to indicate how frequently they experience different anxiety-related thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. By examining their patterns of fear, worry, and avoidance, SCAS offers essential insights for parents, educators, psychologists, and mental health professionals into a child’s emotional state.
Widely utilised in schools, clinics, and research environments, SCAS serves not only as a screening tool for anxiety-related issues but also as a means to monitor progress over time and inform interventions. It plays a crucial role in early identification and support, ensuring that children obtain the appropriate care needed to manage anxiety effectively.
