Development of a Scale to Measure Religiosity Anxiety in Puerto Rico

• Published in: Journal of psychology and theology Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 326 - 341
• Main Authors: Álvarez-Alatorre, Yazmín, González-Rivera, Juan Aníbal, Pagán-Torres, Orlando M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2024; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: anxiety; psychometric properties; validity; religiosity
• ISSN: 0091-6471; 2328-1162
• DOI: 10.1177/00916471231225635

This research aimed to develop an instrument to measure symptoms of religious anxiety considering its physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations, according to the DSM-5-TR. The final sample consisted of 302 adult residents of Puerto Rico with ages ranging from 21 to 73 years (M = 42.74, SD = 12.80). Exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and correlation analysis with other anxiety scales and spiritual struggles were performed. The factor analysis identified a two-dimensional structure: physical and cognitive manifestations of religiosity anxiety. The internal consistency of the scale was adequate (α = .95; ω = .95). It is concluded that the Religiosity Anxiety Scale has sufficient evidence of validity, and we propose it as a practical and helpful tool in Puerto Rican clinical and academic work. The practical implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.