The structure of worry: Relations between positive/negative personality characteristics and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire

Abstract

The present studies investigated the structure, correlates, and predictors of worry, as assessed by the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), in a large nonclinical sample ( N = 1439). Exploratory factor analysis of the PSWQ in Study 1 revealed a two-factor solution (Worry Engagement and Absence of Worry). Confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 indicated that the two-factor solution provided a better fit to the data than a one-factor model. The PSWQ and its factors evidenced good internal consistency, and correlations with measures of positive and negative state-trait variables provided evidence for good convergent and discriminant validity in both studies. Evidence for the specificity of the two-factor solution was also found such that the Worry Engagement factor demonstrated higher correlations with negative state-trait variables than the Absence of Worry factor. However, path analyses in Study 3 examining predictors of worry provided support for a one-factor solution to the PSWQ. Furthermore, path analyses showed that trait anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between negative characteristics and worry, whereas trait anxiety inversely mediated the relationship between positive characteristics and worry. These findings support the use of the PSWQ in research examining the nature of worry and highlight how positive and negative characteristics may have unique relations with worry in the context of trait anxiety.