INTRODUCTION: This study aimed at developing the Portuguese-language version of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory - SPAI, adapted to the Brazilian culture. METHODS: After the authors' approval, the following procedures were carried out: a) translation, back translation, discussion between the translators and the American authors to reach a final version of the SPAI in Portuguese; b) face validity by expert evaluation; c) linguistic equivalence by test-retest reliability of the scores of the versions in Portuguese and English in a sample of 18 bilingual volunteers, using both genders and d) feasibility study (acceptability) and utility (applicability) of the Portuguese-language SPAI by adherence rates and inappropriate filling out of the form in a population sample of 365 college students of both genders. RESULTS: The final version of the Portuguese language SPAI presents linguistic, semantic and technical equivalences, and a perfectly acceptable face validity. The linguistic equivalence was demonstrated by the Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients for the differential (total) score of 0.87 (CI 95% 0.64-0.96) and 0.87 (CI 95% 0.63-0.95), respectively (p < 0.0001). The percentage of adherence to the Portuguese language SPAI was 95.7% of the sample studied (n = 365). Among the participants (n = 347), the rate of inappropriate filling of the form was 4%, 14 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The suitability of the translation into Portuguese of the SPAI has been demonstrated. The Portuguese language SPAI presents a perfectly acceptable face validity. The feasibility and utility results recommend its use as a screening scale for social phobia in Brazilian samples with a good level of education, after validation studies in Brazilian samples.
Social phobia; social anxiety disorder; Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory; SPAI; screening scales; rating scales
