Facets Of Anxiety Research Articles

State and trait anxiety: A cross-cultural comparison of Chinese and Caucasian students in Canada

Chinese people immigrating to North America are subject to specific Stressors in moving to a new country, and, furthermore, these factors interact with their cultural background to produce higher levels of anxiety than are commonly believed to exist. The present study compared the responses of 60 Chinese and 60 Caucasian Canadian students to questionnaires measuring multidimensional trait and state anxiety. As predicted, the Chinese students endorsed significantly higher levels of trait anxiety for ambiguous situations and daily routines than did the Caucasians. Moreover, they were also significantly more likely than the Caucasians to rate the research situation as being ambiguous and threatening. Of all the possible background variables tested, English fluency was the single most powerful covariate that was predictive of the results, with those students who indicated a lowered English proficiency tending to score higher across all four facets of trait anxiety. As the Chinese students were also significantly more likely than the Caucasians to indicate a lower level of English fluency, the present results are supportive of the likelihood that lack of familiarity with the adopted culture and language may contribute to adjustment difficulties in Chinese immigrants.

Invariance on the NEO PI-R Neuroticism Scale

We explored between gender invariance on the NEO PI-R Neuroticism scale. Sörbom's (1974;1982) mean and covariance structural analysis was used to evaluate weak and strong forms of factorial invariance for the six facet scales when treated as indicators of a common neuroticism factor. Item response theory procedures were used to evaluate differential item functioning (DIF) within each of the six facets. The structural modeling results indicated that the Neuroticism scale is weakly invariant (i.e., factor loadings were equivalent for men and women), but the hypothesis of strong invariance was not supported. The within-facet DIF analysis was difficult to interpret. Although several items displayed significant DIF, it was difficult to associate DIF with specific aspects of item content. Also, even when substantial item-level DIF was identified on the Anxiety facet, its effects when considered at the facet level appeared inconsequential. This latter finding illustrates that item-level DIF does not necessarily make a difference when a scale is considered as a whole.

Dimensions of hypochondriasis and the five-factor model of personality

Abstract Relations between dimensions of hypochondriasis assessed by the Illness Attitudes Scales and the higher-order and lower-order dimensions of the “Big Five” model of personality were examined in 309 university students. Factor analysis revealed five IAS dimensions, similar to those identified in previous studies: Fear of Illness and Death, Treatment Experience, Symptom Effects, Disease Phobia and Conviction, and Health Habits. These five IAS dimensions in turn loaded on to two higher-order factors: Health Anxiety and Health Behaviors. To help clarify the meaning of these IAS dimensions and the two higher-order factors, a series of regression analyses were conducted using the NEO-PI-R personality domains and facets. Neuroticism, and its facet of anxiety, were significant predictors of several IAS dimensions and the higher-order factor of Health Anxiety. In contrast, Conscientiousness was a significant predictor of one of the IAS dimensions and the second higher-order factor of Health Behaviors. The results suggest that some IAS dimensions are reflective of specific and core features of hypochondriasis while other IAS dimensions are generally nonspecific or too peripheral, and may in fact assess adaptive functioning. The results also suggest that previously observed negative associations between hypochondriasis and Extraversion, as well as Agreeableness, are reduced or eliminated when Neuroticism is statistically controlled.

Anxiety sensitivity and the five-factor model of personality

Relations between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and the higher-order and lower-order dimensions of the `Big Five' model of personality were examined in 317 university students. AS was significantly associated with a number of personality domains and facets of the NEO-PI-R. Regression analyses indicated that only the higher-order domains of neuroticism and extraversion (negatively) and the lower-order N facets of anxiety and self-consciousness, significantly predicted AS. Three lower-order factors within AS were identified and were also compared to NEO-PI-R domains and facets. In a hierarchical regression, the three AS factors significantly predicted variance in a measure of panic-related anxiety after the effects of the six N facets were statistically controlled. Results are discussed in the context of previous work with a Big Three taxonomy of personality and implications for understanding the nature and possible origins of AS are outlined.

Anxiety and Depression: Evidence for the Differentiation of Commonly Cooccurring Constructs

Anxiety and depression frequently cooccur diagnostically. This observation has led researchers to investigate whether anxiety and depression can be meaningfully distinguished as unique theoretical constructs or whether they are better conceptualized as features of a general psychological distress. In the present study, we attempted to differentiate self-reported state and trait anxiety from depression in a university sample (N = 593) using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS). In addition, we examined the relationship among self-reported anxiety, depression, and neuroticism to determine the extent to which the Anxiety and Depression facet scales of the NEO Personality Inventory—Revised represent distinct and mutually exclusive measures of anxiety and depression. Principal-components analyses and a series of multiple regression models were used to conduct this investigation. Results indicate that both state and trait anxiety and depression can be reliably differentiated with the BDI and the EMAS. Results also suggest that invoking a single “general distress” factor to explain the strong interrelationships between anxiety and depression in nonclinical samples is premature.

Ethopharmacological analysis of behaviour of rats using variations of the elevated plus-maze.

Besides allowing better observation and recording of the behaviour of rodents, we have shown that the elevated plus-maze with transparent walls is as sensitive to anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug effects as a traditional apparatus with opaque walls. In this study we extend these observations with an ethopharmacological analysis of the behaviour of rats in the elevated plus-maze with transparent walls. A factor analysis of the behaviour of control (saline-treated) rats on the modified maze and on a standard maze revealed a characteristic distribution of the behavioural categories in six factors. For the modified maze, the first three factors, representing standard indices of anxiety, locomotion and risk assessment, were similar to the factor distribution reported by this and other studies using the standard elevated plus-maze test. Distinct features appeared on Factor 4, with the loading of rears in the modified maze together with the occurrence of the percentage of centre time and flat-back approach common to both mazes. Scanning and grooming, which are generally grouped on Factor 5 in the standard maze, appeared as isolated behavioural elements loading on Factors 5 and 6, respectively, in the modified maze. An ethopharmacological analysis of behaviour in the modified maze showed that midazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg) produced an anxioselective profile, whereas pentylenetetrazol (5 and 10 mg/kg) produced an anxiogenic-like profile. These results point to the distinct features of the elevated plus-maze with transparent walls, which may be beneficial in the study of the different facets of anxiety and the mode of action of anxiolytic drugs in rats.

The interaction model of anxiety assessed in two public speaking situations

The person-situation interaction model of anxiety was investigated on subjects participating in public speaking events. Two separate samples (25 adults and 36 adolescents) were used in order to allow for an investigation of the model's generalizability across age. Subjects were tested for trait anxiety; their levels of state anxiety were assessed several weeks prior to, the night before, and following public speaking. Interactions of social evaluation trait anxiety and public speaking situations were found for state anxiety. Similar interactions were observed for the ambiguous facet of trait anxiety. No person by situation interactions were observed, however, for physical danger and daily routines facets of trait anxiety. Results regarding the interaction model were consistent for both sample groups, supporting the external validity of the model.

The interaction model of anxiety: A critical appraisal of current research methods

This paper critically evaluates the methodology used to empirically test the interaction model of anxiety. Limitations include: (a) the use of group data to define the manner in which individuals perceive experimental situations, (b) the reliance on single trait anxiety facets as predictors of state anxiety, and (c) the need to recognize that there may not be a linear correspondence between the extent to which particular types of situational components are present in an experimental context, and the capacity of these elements to arouse state anxiety among persons who are high on a compatible trait anxiety dimension. Preliminary conceptions of a composite predictor for state anxiety are discussed. It is expected that the composite predictor will combine both trait anxiety and situation perception data to predict state anxiety, and will do so at the individual level.

The trait anxiety^perception score: A composite predictor for state anxiety.

This article describes the development and initial evaluation of the A-Trait-Perception (ATP) score, a composite predictor for state anxiety. The ATP score is constructed from trait anxiety and situation perception data derived from the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS; Endler, Edwards, & Vitelli, 1989). ATP mathematically combines the individual's trait anxiety and situation perception profiles and adjusts these with a multiplier that reflects the individuals' sensitivity to particular types of situational elements in terms of state anxiety inducement. The utility of the resulting composite variable as a predictor of state anxiety was examined in the context of two field studies. Results of both studies indicated that the ATP variable offered a superior prediction of state anxiety, as compared to four individual trait anxiety facets (social evaluation, physical danger, ambiguous and daily routines). The theoretical import of these results is discussed.

Empirical support for a Type A belief system

Much of the research on Type A behavior has focused on overt manifestations of the pattern; consequently, the underlying psychological dimensions are poorly understood (Matthews, 1982). Price (1982) has proposed an elaborate, but empirically unvalidated, model suggesting that a specific set of beliefs underlies the Type A behavior pattern. A series of experiments was conducted to test the validity of Price's model and to develop a device for assessing these beliefs. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of this measure were .94 and .84, respectively. Significant positive correlations were found with traditional measures of Type A behavior as well as various facets of anger and anxiety. Finally, subjects who endorsed a high degree of Type A beliefs set significantly higher performance standards and were less likely to achieve these standards than their low-scoring counterparts. Results are discussed with regard to the theoretical construct of Type A as well as their implications for future research and treatment.

Academic examinations and anxiety: The interaction model empirically tested

The person-by-situation interaction model of anxiety was tested in the reallife setting of an academic examination. Twenty-eight male and 79 female university students served as subjects. State anxiety (A-State) was assessed just prior to the examination (Trial 2) and approximately 1 week before (Trial 1) and after (Trial 3) the examination. Five facets of trait anxiety (A-Trait) were measured in a nonstressful situation 1 week prior to the examination. The subject's cognitive appraisal of the various situations was assessed by a self-report index of the type and degree of threat involved in the situation just experienced. As predicted, a significant A-Trait-by-situation interaction in eliciting A-State was observed for social evaluation A-Trait. There were no interactions for the other, noncongruent facets of trait anxiety. The results also indicated that individuals' perception of situations may be the most important factor affecting reactions to stressful situations. In general, the results were interpreted as providing support for the multidimensionality of A-Trait and further validation of the interaction model of anxiety.

Different facets of sex anxiety.

Different facets of sex anxiety.

The interaction model of anxiety: An empirical test in an athletic competition situation

The person by situation interaction model of anxiety was tested in the field setting of a track and field meet. Forty-one male runners served as subjects. State anxiety was assessed just prior to a routine training session and again 2 weeks later just before a meet. Five facets of trait anxiety were measured after the routine training session. As predicted there was a significant interaction between social evaluation trait anxiety and the stressful meet situation. No interactions were observed for the interpersonal, ambiguous, and physical danger facets of trait anxiety. In general, the results supported the interaction model of anxiety.

Relationships among four measures of anxiety.

Correlations among four measures of anxiety by Taylor, Sarason, Cattell, and Page were based on responses of 76 college men and women. The magnitudes of the coefficients suggest that the tests measure different facets of anxiety. Taylor and Cattell scales measure general anxiety. It appears that anxiety is a complex concept.