Trait factors and ratings of controllability as predictors of worrying about significant life stressors

Abstract

The present study investigated some of the factors that predict the frequency and perceived outcomes of worrying about significant life stressors. The findings were that (i) the extent to which worrying is perceived as a constructive, problem-solving process is predicted by both the objectively and subjectively defined controllability of the stressor, and (ii) the frequency of worrying about life stressors and the degree of perceived anxiety that this worrying causes are predicted by trait factors measuring trait anxiety and trait worrying, but are not predicted by ratings of the controllability of the stressor. These findings suggest that the uncontrollability of the stressor may be significantly less important than trait factors in generating worrying about a life stressor.