Abstract
The Recovery Assessment Scale‐Domains and Stages (RAS‐DS) is a 38‐item self‐report instrument measuring recovery from serious mental illness. We explored the suitability of the RAS‐DS for individuals with anxiety disorders. A parsimonious short form of the scale was developed. Participants with anxiety disorder symptoms (N = 295) completed the RAS‐DS, DASS‐21 and GAD‐7. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the expected four‐factor structure. Associations with related scales exhibited the expected pattern supporting construct validity in this population. The Recovery Assessment Scale‐Short Form (RAS‐SF) was derived by inspection of factor loadings and modification indices, yielding a 20‐item scale with five items per subscale. Strong correlations between subscales confirmed the total score represented a valid overarching measure of recovery. The present study indicates that recovery is pertinent to individuals with anxiety disorders. Development of the short‐form RAS‐SF affords opportunity for routine measurement of recovery in populations with anxiety and other high prevalence conditions.