Fear Of Anxiety Research Articles

Altered Functional Coupling of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis and Amygdala in Spider Phobic Fear.

Background: Individuals with spider phobic (SP) fear show hypervigilance and amygdala hyperactivity toward fear-associated stimuli, which may promote the development of other anxiety disorders. The amygdala is a key region within the fear network, which is connected to the anxiety system, where the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a crucial role. However, the BNST's involvement in phobic fear is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the association of phobic fear and anxiety on these regions' functional connectivity (FC) in SP compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods: 7T-functional MRI resting-state FC of 30 individuals with SP and 45 HC was assessed to detect network differences between these groups. The association of phobic fear severity, trait anxiety, and social anxiety on FC was explored using linear regressions combined with seed-to-voxel analyses with amygdala and BNST as primary seeds, corrected for age and sex. Results: In SP, phobic fear was associated with reduced FC between the left amygdala and the right supramarginal gyrus. In contrast, anxiety severity was related to increased FC between the right BNST and the left inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, social anxiety was related to decreased FC between bilateral BNST and left precuneus. Conclusions: These findings show changes in FC in SP, connecting fear with altered activity in the BNST and amygdala. The results suggest that persistent anxiety in phobic fear is associated with abnormal brain function in these regions, potentially explaining susceptibility to anxiety disorders and processes involved in phobic fear, such as threat perception, avoidance, and salience. Impact statement This is the first study to report altered FC mechanisms of BNST and amygdala in individuals with SP using 7T ultra-high field resting-state data. So far, only distinct characterization of brain regions, especially of BNST and amygdala, involved in those disorders exists. Our results contribute to closing this knowledge gap by providing the first evidence that deviant BNST and amygdala function in SP might elucidate the susceptibility to other anxiety disorders.

Biopsychosocial Associates of Psychological Distress and Post-Traumatic Growth among Canadian Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Understanding both the positive and negative psychological outcomes among cancer patients during the pandemic is critical for planning post-pandemic cancer care. This study (1) examined levels of psychological distress and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Canadian cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) explored variables that were associated with psychological distress and PTG during the pandemic using a biopsychosocial framework. A cross-section survey was undertaken of patients receiving ongoing care at a regional cancer centre in Ontario, Canada, between February and December 2021. Self-reported questionnaires assessing sociodemographic information, social difficulties, psychological distress (depression, anxiety fear of recurrence, and emotional distress), PTG, illness perceptions, and behavioural responses to the pandemic were administered. Disease-related information was extracted from patient health records. Prevalences of moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, fear of recurrence and emotional distress were reported by 26.0%, 21.2%, 44.2%, and 50.0% of the sample (N = 104), respectively. Approximately 43% of the sample reported experiencing high PTG, and these positive experiences were not associated with levels of distress. Social factors, including social difficulties, being female, lower education, and unemployment status were prominent associative factors of patient distress. Perceptions of the pandemic as threatening, adopting more health safety behaviours, and not being on active treatment also increased patient likelihood to experience severe psychological distress. Younger age and adopting more health safety behaviours increased the likelihood of experiencing high PTG. The discriminatory power of the predictive models was strong, with a C-statistic > 0.80. Examining both the positive and negative psychological patient outcomes during the pandemic has highlighted the complex range of coping responses. Interventions that adopt a multi-pronged approach to screen and address social distress, as well as to leverage health safety behaviours, may improve the adjustments in the pandemic aftermath.

Psychopathology in asthma patients: analysis of demographic and clinical associations.

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways, significantly impacts both respiratory function and quality of life. Recent studies have highlighted the psychological dimensions of chronic diseases like asthma. Despite growing evidence linking asthma with various psychopathological conditions, comprehensive data remains scarce. This study aims to explore the psychopathological status of asthma patients and identify demographic and clinical factors associated with higher levels of psychopathological symptoms. Data were collected from 42 asthma patients attending the Asthma Outpatient Clinic at the University of Thessaly, Greece. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire on demographics and clinical parameters, along with the Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) to assess psychological symptoms. The sample included patients with varying asthma severity: 38% with severe asthma and 62% with mild-moderate asthma, with a mean age of 60.8 ± 15.6 years. Results indicated that 23.8% exhibited somatization symptoms, 23.8% showed compulsive behaviors, 33.8% reported interpersonal sensitivity, and 38.1% experienced depression and 38.1% aggressiveness. Additionally, 45.2% struggled with fearful anxiety, 4.8% showed paranoid ideation, and 11.9% had traits of psychoticism. Women had significantly higher psychopathology scores than men. Factors such as longer disease duration, uncontrolled asthma, severe asthma, and comorbid conditions like atopy and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were linked to higher psychopathological scores. The study found a high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among asthma patients. Female gender, prolonged asthma duration, persistent symptoms, comorbid diseases (GERD, atopy) and greater disease severity were significantly associated with higher psychopathology, underscoring the need for integrated mental health care in asthma management.

Application of Shalawat Jibril to Overcome Sleep Disorders (Insomnia) in Final Students

Final year students often experience pressure during the preparation of the thesis, it can cause stress and trigger the onset of sleep disorders (insomnia). Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes a person to have difficulty or cannot sleep soundly, insomnia can be caused by psychological problems in a person due to excessive anxiety and feelings of fear. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the application of sholawat Jibril as a method in overcoming sleep disorders (insomnia) in final students. This method involves the participation of final year students who experience insomnia, by applying sholawat Jibril for a certain period before going to bed. This research uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through observation, interviews and documentation. From the results of the study listening to shalawat Jibril audio before bed can be an effective alternative therapy to overcome sleep difficulties as well as anxiety and anxiety experienced.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Metacognitions Questionnaire – Short Form (MCQ-30) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Reliability, Validity and Utility in a Clinical Sample

AbstractThe Metacognitions Questionnaire – Short Form (MCQ-30) was designed as a parsimonious measure of the metacognitive beliefs and processes implicated in the maintenance of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The present study sought to examine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the MCQ-30 among people with GAD. One hundred and thirty-nine adults diagnosed with GAD and 76 non-clinical controls completed the MCQ-30 and self-report measures of worry, fear of anxiety, attempted thought suppression, distress, GAD symptoms, and interference. A five-factor structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Among the clinical sample, CFA supported the construct validity of the scale, although the relationship between the factors differed from community samples. Evidence was found for the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent, convergent and criterion validity of the MCQ-30 in people with GAD. The treatment sensitivity and clinical responsiveness of the scale were also demonstrated, with the Uncontrollability and Danger Beliefs subscale identified as the most accurate predictor of clinical status. This subscale also exhibited the strongest correlations with most symptom measures, highlighting the cardinal role played by negative beliefs about worry in maintaining clinical levels of GAD. This study provides the first evidence of the reliability, validity and clinical utility of the MCQ-30 with people diagnosed with GAD.

Based on the relationship between anxiety of existential meaninglessness, hope level, and fear of progression, explored the effect of preoperative nursing with Orem theory in the senile cataract population.

Cataracts, characterized by a decrease in vision due to the clouding of the lens, can progress to blindness in advanced stages. The rising incidence of cataract cases has led to a significant number of patients experiencing negative emotions associated with vision loss, thereby diminishing their quality of life. In clinical practice, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to consider the psychological well-being of cataract patients. Currently, there is a scarcity of research focusing on psychological evaluations, such as assessing feelings of meaninglessness among individuals with cataracts. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the anxiety of existential meaninglessness and to explore the relationships among existential anxiety, Herth hope index levels and fear of progression in the elderly cataract-affected population. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of Orem's nursing care strategies. Utilizing a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Existential Meaninglessness Anxiety Scale (EM-A), Herth Hope Index Level Scale, and the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), this research employed convenience sampling for a cross-sectional and intervention study. The retrospective study sample comprised 1,029 individuals, while the intervention study included 317. The intervention design assessed psychological changes in existential meaninglessness following Orem's preoperative nursing interventions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to ascertain the determinants of EM-A within the population of elderly patients with senile cataracts. Pearson correlation analysis elucidated the relationship between EM-A, levels of hope, and the FoP-Q-SF among this demographic. Subsequent investigations, utilizing a t-test, evaluated the effects by comparing the data before and after the implementation of the interventions. The correlation between EM-A, hope levels, and FoP-Q-SF was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Factors such as age, education level, alcohol consumption habits, hope levels, and FoP-Q-SF scores significantly affected EM-A scores (p < 0.05). Orem's nursing framework significantly reduced existential anxiety (p < 0.05). Among elderly patients with cataracts, existential anxiety was generally moderate. Hope levels and fear of progression were closely associated with the EM-A. The novel Orem preoperative care model effectively addresses clinical issues. In clinical practice, it is crucial to address psychological problems and enhance patients' quality of life.

Influence of Integrating Childbirth Preparation Program on Birth Outcomes among Pregnant Women in Western Kenya

Childbirth education and preparation has been fronted as key element in enhancing maternal and neonatal health and preventing some adverse outcomes. There is paucity of literature in Kenyan setting linking maternal childbirth education and maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study aimed to assess the effect of an educational intervention in childbirth and its influence on maternal and neonatal outcomes among expectant women in western Kenya. A Quasi-experimental design was utilised. The health facilities were selected by simple random sampling. Expectant women were enrolled at antenatal care services and allocated to either the control group or the intervention group. Those in the intervention group went through 2 hourly sessions of childbirth preparation teaching twice in the course of the 32nd–35th weeks of gestation. Investigation and assessment on specific maternal and neonatal outcomes was done within 48 hours following delivery. Chi-square and independent t tests were used to determine the statistical difference. More mothers in the control experienced prolonged labour 12% compared to 2.2% in the intervention (P&lt;0.001). Progression failure was high in the control 8.9% compared to 1.1% in the intervention (P=0.001). The control had more cases of augmentation 11% compared to 2.7% in the intervention (P=0.004). Higher APGAR scores were recorded in the intervention group at 1 and 5 minutes compared to the control (P&lt;0.001). Few cases of birth asphyxia were in the intervention 1.6% compared to 5.8% in the control (P&lt;0.001). The intervention program aimed at enhancing childbirth knowledge and improving self- efficacy offered prior to birth was successful in reducing adverse birth outcomes in mothers and their neonates in the intervention group. A program aimed at enhancing women’s’ self- efficacy and improving their knowledge on childbirth should be structured and incorporated in the routine antenatal care to reduce some adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes associated with fear anxiety and uncertainty related to inadequate childbirth knowledge.

Therapeutic Procedures and Care of a Child Nursing Considerations

As pediatric nurses, our mission is atraumatic care i.e. to shield children from needless trauma and pain caused by medical procedures. Child's preparation prior to the procedure includes need based assessment of the procedure and readiness for procedure, building trust and establishing rapport as well as clustering multiple procedures to minimize trauma. Prior to procedure informed consent is necessary whenever required. It is essential to follow family centred care and educate the child and family as family is the integral part of child’s life. Preparation of child according to age, utilization of age appropriate equipment and age specific techniques, keen observation of child and surrounding are important aspect of childcare. Pharmacological, non-pharmacological and psychological strategies, involvement of loved one’s aid for minimizing the pain fear anxiety and distress. The physical and psychological safety of child should be of prime concern while performing a nursing procedure on child, the aim should be to successfully complete the procedure minimizing the negative effects of the same. Therefore, it is vital that any medical procedure is ended in a positive manner.

Itsy bitsy spider: Fear and avoidance (generalization) in a free-exploratory virtual reality paradigm

Most experimental avoidance paradigms lack either control over the experimental situation or simplify real-life avoidance behavior to a great extent, making it difficult to generalize the results to the complex approach-avoidance situations that anxious individuals face in daily life. The current study aimed to examine the usability of our recently developed free-exploratory avoidance paradigm in Virtual Reality (VR) that allows for the assessment of subjective as well as behavioral avoidance in participants with varying levels of spider fear. In a VR escape room, participants searched for cues to decipher a code-locked door. Opening a wooden box marked with a post-it note (conditioned stimulus, CS) resulted in exposure to a virtual crawling spider (unconditioned stimulus, US). Avoidance of the original CS and other objects marked with the CS (generalization stimuli, GSs; EXPgen condition) or non-marked (CONT condition) objects was measured via questionnaires and relative manipulation times in a novel room. We expected a positive linear relationship between US aversiveness (levels of spider fear) and (generalization of) fear and avoidance behaviors. Avoidance learning and generalization was demonstrated on both a subjective and behavioral level. Higher levels of spider fear were, overall, related to more negative emotions in response to the encounter with the spider, higher US expectancies for the GSs, and more self-reported and behavioral avoidance of the original CS and the GSs. Finally, we explored relationships between trait anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty and fear and avoidance (generalization), but no robust associations were observed. In conclusion, we confirmed the expected positive linear relationship between spider fear and (generalization of) fear and avoidance behaviors. Our results suggest that our free-exploratory VR avoidance paradigm is well-suited to investigate avoidance behaviors and the generalization of avoidance.

Pengaruh Fear Of Missing Out (FoMO) Terhadap Pola Perilaku Mahasiswa Sebagai Pengguna Media Sosial Di Wilayah Universitas Jember

The development of technology in the era of modernization creates risks on the rise of social media use. The high number of social media use raises concerns about the consequences of problems that arise, especially related to social media dependence. This dependence makes them feel to always be connected to other activities in social media, which then creates anxiety fear of being left behind by news or trends. This phenomenon is referred to as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). This sociological research aims to identify the FOMO phenomenon as a result of social media dependence among Jember regional students. Based on interviews and data analysis, this research explores the extent to which Fomo affects the behavior of the use of social media students of Jember University. In addition, this research also identifies the risks and consequences of the dependence of social media that arise due to FOMO. The results of research on a number of Jember University students show that students who experience FOMO tend to have a higher degree of dependence on social media.&#x0D;

The effect of dry heat and dry cold application on pain, anxiety and fear levels before blood sample collection in school age children (7–12 years): A randomized controlled study

BackgroundBlood sampling, which is frequently performed on children admitted to hospital, causes them pain, anxiety and fear. ObjectivesThe study was carried out to determine the effects of dry heat and dry cold application before blood sampling on pain, anxiety and fear levels in school age children. MethodsThe study was conducted between June and January 2021 with a parallel-group randomized controlled experimental design. It was carried out with 117 children who applied to the Pediatric Blood Collection Polyclinic of a training and research hospital. The children were assigned to dry heat application, dry cold application and control group by simple randomization. Data were collected using the Child-Family Introductory Information Form, Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS), Child Fear Anxiety Scale (CFAS) and Medical Procedure Fear Scale (MPFS). In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, the Dunn test, Yates correction and the Pearson Chi-Square test were used. A level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsIt was found that children who were treated with dry heat and dry cold before blood sampling experienced less pain. The anxiety of the children in the dry heat treatment group was lower than the control group. According to the children's MPFS Operational Fear sub-dimension median scores, procedural fear was found to be lower in the dry heat application group. Practice implicationsPediatric nurses can safely use dry heat and dry cold application in the management of invasive procedure-related pain, and dry heat application in the management of anxiety. Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) under the number NCT05974319.

Values- versus monetary reward-enhanced exposure therapy for the treatment of social anxiety in emerging adulthood

Exposure therapy represents the gold-standard treatment for social anxiety, yet evidence indicates the need for improvement. One promising avenue involves linking exposures to a motivator. The current study examined the impact of intrinsically-rewarding, personal values-enhanced versus extrinsically-rewarding, monetary-enhanced exposure on short-term social anxiety fear and avoidance outcomes, and evaluated impacted initial treatment motivation and exposure generalization. MethodsSixty emerging adults ages 17–26 with significantly elevated social and public speaking anxiety were randomized to receive values-enhanced exposure, monetary reward-enhanced exposure, or exposure alone. They completed a laboratory session with a brief intervention and speech exposure, one-week follow-up with novel exposure, and online follow-up two weeks later. Subjective and behavioral anxiety measures were collected. ResultsLinking exposures to values decreased self-reported anxiety following the speech exposure retest, which generalized to anticipatory anxiety prior to a novel speech task. Linking exposures to money temporarily increased speech length, but this difference did not remain during the novel task. Conditions showed similar improvements on other outcomes. ConclusionExtrinsic motivators can temporarily motivate exposure engagement, whereas a brief values intervention can enhance exposure learning and decrease subjective anxiety across feared situations compared to monetary enhancement. If replicated, this has pragmatic implications for exposure framing within social anxiety treatment.

Virtual reality ideological and political games on students’ anxiety disorders

BackgroundAnxiety Disorder (AD) is a disorder characterised by excessive fear anxiety and related disturbing behaviour. Virtual reality (VR) technology has been applied in many fields because of its multi-sensory, visualisation and immersive interactivity. Therefore, the study proposes to combine VR technology with Civic Education and help students to better improve their anxiety disorders by designing Civic Games under VR experience.Subjects and MethodsStudents suffering from anxiety disorders were taken as research objects and randomly divided into an experimental group (VR teaching experience group) and a control group (conventional Civics teaching group). Both groups of patients were guided by classroom education to control students’ psychological conditions and emotions. In the experimental group, VR teaching is assisted by VR games or VR scene experience. The experimental intervention time was six weeks, and the experimental data were statistically analysed with the help of the Self-Assessment Scale of Anxiety (SAS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). The difference was statistically significant at P&lt;0.05.ResultsAfter the experimental intervention, it was found that there was a significant statistical difference in SAS scores between the two groups of students (P&lt;0.05), and the relief of anxiety disorder symptoms in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group.ConclusionsThe use of VR technology has broad development prospects. It can effectively help students alleviate their anxiety state, and its combination with ideological and political education also enables students to have a clearer understanding of their emotional changes.AcknowledgementScientific Research Program Funded by Shaanxi Provincial Education Department (No.22JK0587).

Effects of Cooperative, Competitive, and Solitary Exergames on Cognition and Anxiety Levels in Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Objective: Exergames are playing an important role in person-centered therapy, health care services, and in the rehabilitation field. This study aimed to compare the effects of cooperative, competitive, and solitary exergames on cognition and anxiety levels in children with developmental disabilities (DD). Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial pretest-posttest including 36 children with DD who were allocated to the cooperative exergame group (CGG), competitive exergame group (CmGG), and solitary exergame group (SGG). The exergame program was performed two times a week for 8 weeks and the outcome measurements were conducted before and after the program. A paired sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the changes within and between the groups. Results: The result indicated a significant improvement in memory, attention, and visual perception in all groups; the CGG and CmGG showed a high increase in attention compared with the SGG. However, only the CGG presented a significant improvement in the language subscale. In terms of anxiety, only the CGG presented substantial improvements in all anxiety subscales. The CmGG showed improvement in social phobia and the SGG in physical injury fears, social phobia, and general anxiety fears. Conclusion: The findings suggest that cooperative and competitive exergames may be used to effectively improve cognitive functions; cooperative exergames can be applied as the most effective method to reduce anxiety compared with the other game types for children with DD.

Perceptual Generalization of Alcohol-Related Value Characterizes Risky Drinkers

Generalizing from past experiences to novel situations is critical for adaptive behavior, whereas overgeneralization can promote maladaptive responses (e.g., context-inappropriate fear in anxiety). Here, we propose that overgeneralizing alcohol-related associations characterizes risky drinking. We conducted two online experiments assessing generalization of alcohol-related gains (Study 1) and losses (Study 2) among individuals who engaged in light or risky patterns of drinking (Study 1: N = 88, 24–44 years old; Study 2: N = 87, 21–44 years old). After learning to associate cards with alcohol and non-alcohol-related outcomes, participants chose whether to play with cards varying in perceptual similarity to those shown during conditioning. Finally, participants completed a surprise recognition memory test for all outcomes. Although both groups showed comparable conditioning, we found that risky drinkers overgeneralized alcohol-related gains and losses. Risky drinkers also showed a bias toward recognizing alcohol-related images. These results indicate a novel role for overgeneralization of alcohol-related gains and losses as a mechanism associated with risky drinking.

The psychological experience of medical rescuers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Medical rescuers are the frontline for COVID-19 and their psychological experience and health are major concerns to our society and healthcare system. This study aims to understand how medical rescuers psychologically experienced this pandemic and explore the contributing variables to COVID-19 anxiety. Portuguese medical rescuers (n = 203) answered questions about their COVID-19 experience, the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, Patient-Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, and Well-Being Questionnaire. Rescuers presented low COVID-19 anxiety and low-moderate levels of fear. Most already faced or were facing changes in their job-related tasks, did not change household and did not feel stigma/discrimination. COVID-19 workplace security measures were considered moderately adequate and low anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, low to moderate stress and moderate well-being were found. Only COVID-19 fear and security measures, anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms explained COVID-19 anxiety. Overall, findings showed these rescuers were psychologically well adjusted during the pandemic’s initial stages.

Agents of Socialization, Anxiety, College Women, and Fear of Rape.

This paper examines the impact of messages about sexual danger women receive from parents, peers, media, school officials, and past victimization on fear of stranger and acquaintance rape. Analyzing survey data for 630 undergraduate women, we find that parental warnings, internalized mean world view, university crime alerts, and being more prone to anxiety are significant predictors of fear of rape across models, while effects of media and victimization are limited. When high and low proneness to anxiety subgroups are considered separately, numerous differences emerge. Results suggest the need to include formal measures of anxiety in future fear of crime research.

Psychological Trauma of COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery [ID: 1378016

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to delineate birthing persons' accounts of COVID-19 diagnosis, inpatient treatment, and recovery from infection and the effect on mental health. METHODS: This is a prospective qualitative study of English-speaking birthing people hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 during pregnancy at a single quaternary care center from August 2021 to March 2022. Semistructured interviews were conducted to examine emotional reactions to developing COVID-19 during pregnancy, experiences with hospital admission and inpatient care, and effect on mental health after recovery. All interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and iteratively coded for inductive narrative analysis. RESULTS: Eight birthing people participated in interviews. Universally, participants experienced feelings of fear, panic, and frustration with the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and their need to be hospitalized. Inpatient care engendered feelings of isolation and disconnection due to separation from family and limited interaction with health care team members. Compared to non-Hispanic White participants, non-Hispanic Black participants were more likely to express feelings of discrimination and disrespectful care. After discharge, participants described intentionally avoiding people to minimize risk of reinfection, further increasing fears of anxiety and isolation even months after diagnosis. Postdischarge recovery also included ongoing recovery from physical symptoms, including breathing and activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Birthing people reported significant psychological trauma after their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from COVID-19 infection in pregnancy. These experiences highlight the importance of focusing on mental health as part of recovery and outline opportunities to improve the provision of respectful, equitable care.

Maternal postpartum anxiety and the development of infant attachment: The effect of body sensations on infant attachment

BackgroundKnowledge about the influences of maternal postpartum anxiety disorders (PAD) on infant development is limited. Aim of this present study is to evaluate the influence of PAD on infant attachment. MethodsIn a longitudinal study, self-reported anxiety symptoms of N = 70 mothers (N = 28 with PAD diagnosed according to the DSM-IV, N = 42 controls) were examined in the postpartum period and one year later. Infants' attachment was observed in the Strange Situation Test (SST) at the age of 12–24 months. ResultsResults indicate a strong relationship between PAD and infant attachment: infants of mothers with PAD were significantly more likely to be classified as insecure or disorganized than infants of control mothers. Logistic regression analysis led to a significant model with 76.8 % correct classification of infant attachment dependent on the maternal fear of anxiety associated body sensations (OR = 4.848) in the postpartum period. Including maternal sensitivity and interaction behavior, only maternal intrusiveness was additionally associated with infant attachment (ρ = 0.273, p < .05; OR = 45.021, p = .153). LimitationsParticipants were highly educated. Different anxiety disorders included led to a heterogenous sample. Generalization is diminished. Maternal sensitivity was measured on a global scale, and body tension was self-reported. ConclusionsPAD plays a crucial role in the development of infant attachment. Interaction-focused interventions, helping mothers to decrease intrusiveness, and body-focused interventions, helping mothers to deal with their fear of anxiety symptoms, might be promising pathways to buffer the influence of PAD on infant attachment.

I Don't Want to Be Thin! Fear of Weight Change Is Not Just a Fear of Obesity: Research on the Body Mass Anxiety Scale.

Anxiety is one of the psychological factors associated with body weight experienced by people attempting to live up to expectations of an ideal body shape. The stigma of excessive or too low body weight and the stigmatization of people because of it is becoming a widespread problem with negative psychological and social consequences. One effect of the strong social pressure of beauty standards dependent on low body weight is the development of eating disorders and negative societal attitudes toward overweight or obese people. Research conducted to date has mainly focused on one dimension of weight-related anxiety-the fear of getting fat. Ongoing research has also revealed the other side of weight-related anxiety-fear of weight loss. Therefore, the purpose of the present project was to develop a two-dimensional scale to diagnose the level of weight-related anxiety and to preliminarily test the psychometric properties of the emerging constructs. Results: the BMAS-20 weight-related anxiety scale in both Polish and English versions was developed and its psychometric properties were confirmed. The components of body weight-change anxiety that emerged were: anxiety about getting fat and anxiety about losing weight. It was found that both AGF and ALW may have a protective function related to awareness of the negative consequences of poor eating and the health risks associated with it. Above-normal levels of anxiety may be a predictor of psychopathology. Both AGF and ALW are associated with symptoms of depression.