Measurement Equivalence of Social Anxiety Scales: Taijin Kyofusho May Not Be An East Asian Culture-Related Syndrome

Abstract

Asians consistently report higher social anxiety symptoms but have lower prevalence rates, compared to Westerners. As cultural differences and measurement issues could both be potential sources for the discrepancy, it is important to examine whether score differences between cultural groups are due to measurement issues or genuine underlying differences in social anxiety. This study used 402 participants to examine the construct of social anxiety and measurement invariance of six social anxiety scales using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results supported scalar invariance of a three-factor bifactor model (comprised of Fear/Avoidance of Social Interaction, Fear of Negative Evaluation, and Taijin Kyofusho/fear of interpersonal relationships). Furthermore, multivariate analysis of covariance and moderation analysis revealed Asian Americans endorsed higher Fear/Avoidance of Social Interaction symptoms, but do not differ in Taijin Kyofusho and Fear of Negative Evaluation symptoms, compared to European Americans. This study showed when measurement bias is minimized, Asians still endorse higher symptoms of Fear/Avoidance of Social Interactions. Moreover, Taijin Kyofusho appears to be an aspect of social anxiety identified in more than one cultural group rather than a culture-related specific syndrome. Thus, it is important for clinicians and researchers to consider Taijin Kyofusho in the evaluation of social anxiety.