The Indonesian version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale - Self Report (LSAS-SR-Indonesia): Psychometric Evaluation and Analysis Related to Gender and Age


 
 This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of LSAS-SR (LSAS-SR-Indonesia), and determine the analysis related to gender and age.
 
 
 
 Previous study reported that social anxiety exists in Indonesia. Psychometric properties of the instruments were not reported because it was not the focus of the study. Further studies were recommended, and it was necessary to develop an instrument for social anxiety in Indonesian. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) is one of the most frequently used scales for assessing social anxiety. The psychometric properties of LSAS-SR-Indonesia must be assessed in order that the instrument can be more properly used.
 
 
 
 This study examined the psychometric properties of LSAS-SR-Indonesia, including the internal consistency and item discrimination, as well as validity (convergent, internal structure, factorial, and content). In addition to the psychometric properties, this study analyzed its correlation to gender and age. 
 
 
 
 A total of 2074 participants from general population was involved in the current cross-sectional study applying multi-stage cluster sampling. They lived in seven big cities in Indonesia, representing the major ethnic groups, i.e. Bandung, Denpasar, Banjarmasin, Makassar, Yogyakarta, Padang, and Medan. The participants were 16-38 years old, and 73% of them were female. The internal consistency was analyzed using coefficient of Cronbach’s alpha and the item discrimination was examined by calculating the corrected item-total correlation. Convergent validity was analyzed using the correlation with Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) and Taijin Kyofusho Scale (TKS) using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Internal structure validity was examined using Pearson Product Moment Correlation between LSAS subscales (LSAS Fear and LSAS Avoidance) and their subscales (LSAS Fear Performance, LSAS Avoidance Performance, LSAS Fear Social Interaction, LSAS Avoidance Social Interaction). Factorial validity was used to analyze construct validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Content validity was carried out using the evaluation of an expert panel. The analysis of gender and age was performed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). All the statistical analysis was performed using the computer programs of SPSS v.21 and LISREL v.10.3.
 
 
 
 The LSAS-SR-Indonesia has a good internal consistency. The majority of items demonstrates a good discrimination. A good convergent validity is found in the total score and the two subscales. The internal structure is empirically proved. All factor models fit the data, and RMSEA, RMR, NNFI, CFI, AGFI are in the fit range. The CFA demonstrates that all items in all models has a significant loading factor at the level of 5%. Result of the content validity shows a high degree of relevance and representativeness, with an agreement of 60-100%. There are significant differences both in fear and avoidance across gender. However, there are no significant differences in fear and avoidance across age.
 
 
 
 The LSAS-SR-Indonesia is a reliable and valid instrument to assess social anxiety symptoms in Indonesia. It can be used to identify and assist the preparation for promotion and intervention programs to prevent development of the symptoms.
