Understanding Agoraphobic Tendencies: Development and Validation of the Deenz Agoraphobia Scale (DAS-15) in Non-Clinical Populations

Abstract

Abstract Deenz Agoraphobia Scale (DAS) is a 15-item instrument designed to assess agoraphobia symptoms using a 3-point scale. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the DAS in a sample of 32 participants aged 21 to 25, primarily recruited from college settings. Results indicated strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .85) and significant positive correlations between DAS scores and measures of anxiety severity (r = .60, p < .001) and fear of public spaces (r = .45, p < .01), supporting the scale’s reliability and convergent validity in young adults. These findings highlight the DAS’s potential as a valid measure for assessing agoraphobia symptoms in this age group.