The structure of feared situations in a nationally representative sample

Abstract

This study addressed the paucity of research on the covariation and hierarchic structure of fears in nationally representative or “real world” samples. Using data from the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey ( N=8098), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed with split-half samples to delineate the multidimensional structure and hierarchic organization of 19 feared situations assessed by structured interview. On a first-order level, support was obtained for a five-factor model of fears: (1) agoraphobia, (2) speaking fears, (3) fears of being observed, (4) fears of heights or water, and (5) threat fears. The four latter fear dimensions in turn loaded on to two second-order fear factors: social fears and specific fears. A hierarchic model with a single, general fear factor at a third-order level provided good fit to the data. Results are discussed in the context of Taylor’s [Behav. Res. Ther. 36 (1998) 205–214] proposed hierarchic framework of fears. Implications of these general population findings for the composition and classification of phobias in recent editions of the DSM are also highlighted.