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Children's Form of Manifest Anxiety Scale (CMAS)

The Children's Form of Manifest Anxiety Scale (CMAS)

In 1956, psychologists A. Castaneda, B. R. McCandless, and D. S. Palermo developed an anxiety scale for children aged 7 to 12 that measures anxiety as a stable personality trait. Anxiety can manifest as tension, nervousness, feelings of helplessness, insecurity, and loneliness.

Anxiety also affects children physically: it can cause a rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing, elevated blood pressure, and heightened restlessness.

Child Anxiety Test

Psychologists believe that some anxiety is normal and even helpful — it motivates children and sharpens focus. But when anxiety is extremely high, a child may struggle with even everyday tasks and have trouble navigating the world around them.

Encourage your child to take the test and make sure they feel comfortable answering honestly.

Note: this test is intended solely for informational and educational purposes; its results cannot replace professional help and should not be used to make medical or treatment decisions.

Instructions

The statements below describe different feelings and situations. Read each one carefully and decide whether it describes you. If it sounds like you, choose TRUE; if not, choose FALSE.

Choose your sex and age

1. It's hard for you to think about one thing at a time.
2. It's unpleasant for you if someone is watching you when you do something.
3. You really want to be the best in everything.
4. You blush easily.
5. You like everyone you know.
6. You often feel your heart pounding.
7. You always feel very embarrassed.
8. Sometimes you want to be as far away from here as possible.
9. It seems to you that others are doing better than you.
10. When playing, you love winning more than losing.

What if the score on the "Social Desirability Scale" is high?

A high score indicates that the child tried too hard to provide "correct" answers to gain adult approval. In this case, the results may be unreliable, as the child might have hidden their true fears to project an ideal image.

Is high anxiety always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. A moderate level of anxiety can be protective and help a child be more responsible. It becomes a problem when anxiety is so intense it interferes with concentration, sleep, and normal social interaction.

Can a child take this test online by themselves?

Yes, but younger children may need help reading or understanding the meaning of certain statements. It is crucial that the adult does not impose their opinion or suggest "preferred" answers.

How can you tell the difference between normal nervousness and clinical anxiety?

Nervousness is usually tied to a specific event (like an exam). Manifest anxiety, as measured by CMAS, is a stable, generalized state of worry that persists even in the absence of clear threats or stress.

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