The effects of worry proneness on diurnal anxiety: An ecological momentary assessment approach

Abstract

Existing theoretical models and empirical evidence suggest that worry proneness is associated with anxious responding. However, it is unknown how worry proneness may influence the experience of anxiety throughout the day. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by employing an ecological momentary assessment design to examine the impact of worry proneness on diurnal changes in anxiety reported in the morning, afternoon, and evening for one week in a sample of unselected adults (N = 136). Results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety from morning to evening. Further, this effect was moderated by worry proneness, such that a diurnal decline in anxiety was detectable among those with low and moderate levels of worry proneness, whereas those high in worry proneness reported increased momentary anxiety which was sustained throughout the day. These results replicate previous studies indicating anxiety is highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Further, these findings suggest that worry proneness may override normative diurnal changes in anxiety and thereby maintain anxiety at elevated and consistent levels. The implications of these findings for the development and treatment of disorders characterized by excessive worry are discussed.