Elucidating the Relationship between Worry and Physical Health

Abstract

Research indicates a relationship between trait worry and physical health, such that individuals with high levels of trait worry display physical health problems (e.g., upper respiratory infections, cardiological problems, immune system impairment). However, existing studies do not address whether three constructs that are theoretically and empirically related to worry – trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and depression – might better account for the observed relationship between worry and physical health status. Participants completed measures of trait worry, trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, depression symptom severity, and health status. Results indicated that worry serves as a proxy risk factor for health status through the influence of trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, with both of these variables being related to mental health status, and only trait anxiety being related to physical health status. Anxiety sensitivity did not explain the relationship between trait worry and either type of health status. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.