Examination of the Japanese version of the Fear of COVID ‐19 Scale among Adults Using Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory 1 2

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impaired every aspect of life, especially causing much psychological damage—for instance, increasing risk suicide. Intense fear and anxiety are considered to play a central role in mental health problems. This study examined properties Japanese version Fear Scale (FCV-19S) using classical test theory (CTT) item response (IRT). Five hundred fifty participants aged 18–69 years from across Japan completed questionnaires, including FCV-19S, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-15 (DASS-15), Kessler 6 (K6). CTT showed that each FCV-19S had no ceiling floor effect was close normal distribution, IRT revealed an appropriate parameter discrimination difficulty. Finally, shown have acceptable reliability moderate good concurrent validity. Consequently, robust psychometric can be useful for early detection adults impacted by pandemic.