Discharge patterns of anxiety: Preparation, factor structure and validity of the developed scale in a sample of university students

One of the ambiguous aspects of anxiety is Discharge Patterns of Anxiety. The aim of this study was to conceptualize and operationalize Discharge Patterns of Anxiety based on Davanloo's theory. In this theory, anxiety is experienced and discharged in three Paths, but concerning this theory no research was found. Seventy five Items were built and completed along with Castello-Comrey Trait Anxiety, Self Control, Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Mindfulness Scales by 640 students in Tehran University dormitory. Results were analyzed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). EFA indicated that 27 items was found with factor loadings 0.35 or higher. These 27 items were analyzed with CFA. Goodness of fit indexes indicated that the model was fit with data. Cronbach's Alpha for total scale and Cognitive perceptual, smooth muscles, and striated muscles components was 0.93, 0.87, 0.83, and 0.86 respectively. Also, Composite reliability was 0.96, 0.93, 0.91, and 0.89. Positive correlation of this scale with Costello-Comrey Trait Anxiety Scale and negative correlation with Self-Control, Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Mindfulness Scales Indicated convergent and discriminant validity respectively. Results also indicated that mindfulness can predict the three discharge patterns of anxiety better than the other variables.