Trait anxiety vs career anxiety in relation to attentional control

Abstract

Anxiety can be defined as a negative emotional state in response to an expected threat. It is an essential stage to prepare for and effectively respond to threat. However, the resources allocated to cope with the threat would be wasted if the threat does not take place. In this study, our aim is to examine the role of flexible use of attentional resources when the threat is rather likely to happen (career anxiety) or unlikely to happen (trait anxiety). With this aim in mind, Turkish language teacher candidates, who are considered as vulnerable to career anxiety, were recruited to participate in the study. Participants (N = 93) reported their trait anxiety, career anxiety, and attentional control levels via self-report questionnaires. Results showed that trait anxiety, but not career anxiety, was negatively associated with the attentional control. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.