Le paure nei bambini italiani della scuola elementare: un contributo allo studio della struttura fattoriale della Fear Survey Schedule for Children di Ollendick

The Fear Survey Schedule for children ( FSSC-R; Ollendick, 1883) is the most used instrument to assess children’s fears in the International literature. Although the FSSC-R was used in several cross- cultural studies in which the factor structure was analyzed, in Italy few studies have been carried out. The specific aim of this study is to compare the FSSC-R factor structure in the Italian child population with those carried out in previous studies in the Western countries. Participants were 1.845 children. Respondents were asked to complete the schedule endorsing what they thought their fears were and the intensity of such fears. Results: the principal components analysis yielded a four- factor structure (I: death-Separation-Danger; II: Injury and Small animal ; III: Failure and Criticism; IV: Fears of the unknown). Previous studies identified a fifth factor, related to medical issues. According to the literature average factor scores showed significant differences according to gender and age-group. Girls endorsed significantly higher levels of fearfulness then boys. Age differences were found in a factor I and III, with younger children (6-7 years old reporting a higher intensity and a greater number of fears than older children (8-II years old). Conclusion: this study highlights the need for Italian normative data on the FSC-R. Further studies are suggestive using a confirmatory factor analysis.