Multidimensionality of state and trait anxiety: A cross-cultural study comparing american,canadian, israeli and german young adults

Abstract

The psychometric adequacy of the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS) was examined in samples of American, Canadian, Israeli, and West German male and female young adults. Also investigated was the generalizability of the interactional model of anxiety to a diverse set of cultural contexts. This interactional model distinguishes between multidimensional dimensions of state and trait anxiety. The EMAS was developed to both reliably and independently assess multidimensional state and trait anxiety. Three hundred and seventy-four American undergraduates, 292 Canadian undergraduates, 326 Israeli undergraduates, and 304 West German undergraduates completed the EMAS in a non-stressful situation. The EMAS subscales were found to be highly reliable scales in all four cultural groups. Consistent empirical support was found across cultural groups for both the distinction between state and trait anxiety and the multidimensionality of these two constructs. Significant gender and cultural differences were found across the various EMAS subscales. Women were more likely than men to report being anxious in social evaluation and physical danger situations. In comparison to the other 3 groups, the Israelis reported being less anxious in social evaluation and physical danger situations. Results are discussed in terms of cultural differences between Canada, the United States, West Germany and Israel.