The structure of negative emotions in adolescents.

P.E.H.M. Muris*, H. Schmidt, H.L.G.J. Merckelbach, E.G.W. Schouten

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

This study examined the structure of negative emotions in a sample of nonclinical adolescents, using an approach that exclusively relied on child self-report. A large sample of adolescents (N = 968) completed self-report questionnaires measuring symptoms of fear, anxiety, and depression. Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the notion that fear, anxiety, and depression are distinct yet correlated components of negative emotions. This result is in agreement with recent empirical findings and current theoretical notions on the structure of negative emotions in children and should be taken as an encouragement for researchers to develop more specific measures for assessing fear, anxiety, and depression in children.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)331-337
JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2001

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