Gender differences in factor structure of the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test

Recent studies have revealed differences between men and women alcoholics in symptoms, consequences, and help‐seeking behavior related to alcohol usage. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that gender differences also would appear on alcohol screening instruments. The Self‐Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (Colligan, Davis, & Morse, 1988; SAAST: Swenson & Morse, 1975) of 1,920 men and 1,775 women was subjected to a within‐gender, principle–components, factor analysis with a varimax rotation. Gender differences at the component level were revealed. Men endorsed the “help‐seeking for alcohol‐related problems” component while women endorsed the “help‐seeking for emotional problems” component. In addition, men expressed concern about receiving a psychiatric label while women expressed concern about receiving a drinker label. The results suggest that different items need to be used in screening women for alcohol‐related problems. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 54: 439–445, 1998.