研究目的:本研究旨在針對國軍心理健康評估工具「BASIC量表」的焦慮障礙傾向分量表,運用差異試題功能(differential item functioning, DIF)技術檢核各題項對於不同性別的官士兵是否具有測量恆等性,並根據分析結果對於國軍的心理健康評估及其結果解釋提出具體建議。研究方法:以2015年海軍新進志願役684人(男性483人、女性201人)為研究對象,採取結合先定錨後檢核(DIF-free-then-DIF)策略的多重指標與多重因果模式(multiple indicators multiple causes, MIMIC)來檢核差異試題功能,並以專家審查方法進行DIF可能成因之探討,藉以作為後續修題的參考。研究結果:男女官士兵在焦慮障礙各分量表的平均焦慮傾向上均未達顯著差異,但此分量表共有4題具有性別DIF現象。進一步分析探討成因,評估此4題內容與受試者不同性別的「自我控制行為」、「上廁所小便」、「注意力不集中」、「性聯想」等心理、社會或生理因素有關。研究結論:建議國軍可針對DIF試題進行修題,抑或者在詮釋量表結果時,可考量到性別因素,以避免題項差異導致對於不同性別官士兵的心理健康狀況判斷有所偏頗。
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the differential item functioning (DIF) in the anxiety disorder tendency subscale of the Behavior, Affect, Sensation, Interpersonal and Cognition scale in order to ensure measurement invariance across gender for volunteer naval recruits. Methods: A total of 684 recruits (483 males and 201 females) from the Naval Recruit Training Center participated. We used the Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) method with the DIF-free-then-DIF strategy for DIF assessment. Possible sources of DIF were investigated through expert review, which provided the basis for item revision. Results: The analysis showed no statistically significant difference between genders in their mean scores for anxiety disorder tendency. However, 4 items were identified as exhibiting gender DIF (self-control behavior, toilet urination, inattention, and sexual association). We explained the cause of the DIF from psychological, social, and physiological perspectives. Conclusions: The results suggested that item revision should be implemented, or gender differences should be taken into consideration in the explanation of the scale results so that the differences in item function do not cause bias in the mental health assessment of recruits.