State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait Research Articles

Acceptance of Vulvovaginal Pain in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia and Their Partners: Associations with Pain, Psychological, and Sexual Adjustment

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common vulvovaginal pain condition associated with negative psychological and sexual consequences for affected women and their sexual partners. Greater pain acceptance has been found to be associated with better functional and psychological outcomes in individuals with chronic pain, and acceptance-based strategies are being increasingly incorporated into treatment protocols. The present study is a novel investigation of pain acceptance in PVD couples. The aim was to examine the associations between acceptance of vulvovaginal pain and women's pain during intercourse, as well as the psychological and sexual adjustment of both women with PVD and their partners. Sixty-one couples (M(age) for women = 27.95 years, SD = 5.87; M(age) for men = 30.48 years, SD = 6.70) in which the woman was diagnosed with PVD completed the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, in reference to women's vulvovaginal pain. Women also rated their pain during intercourse, and couples completed measures of anxiety, depression, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. Dependent measures were (i) women's self-reported pain during intercourse on a numerical rating scale; (ii) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory trait subscale; (iii) Beck Depression Inventory-II; (iv) Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning; and (v) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale. Women's greater pain acceptance was associated with their lower self-reported pain during intercourse, controlling for partner's pain acceptance. Greater pain acceptance among women was associated with their own lower anxiety and depression, greater sexual functioning, as well as their own and their partner's greater sexual satisfaction, controlling for the partner's pain acceptance. Additionally, greater pain acceptance among male partners was associated with their own lower depression. Findings suggest that psychological interventions for PVD should target increasing couples' vulvovaginal pain acceptance in order to improve women's pain and the sexual and psychological functioning of both members of the couple.

Anxiety before extraction of impacted lower third molars.

Objetives: Assess levels of trait anxiety, state anxiety and dental anxiety before extraction of lower third molars and check the correlation and reliability of the scales used for the measurement of preoperative anxiety. Study Design: A prospective study of patients treated with extraction of a lower third molar between September 2010 to December 2010 was carried out. A total of 125 patients were included in the study. All of them were patients of the Oral Surgery and Implantology Department (Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Valencia, Spain). Before surgery, patients had to complete a preoperative protocol with 4 scales: the STAI-T (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait) for measuring trait anxiety, the STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State) for measuring state anxiety, and DAS (Dental anxiety Scale of N. Corah) and APAIS (Amsterdam Preoperative anxiety and Information Scale) for measuring dental anxiety. Results: Patients undergoing extractions of an impacted lower third molar showed low levels of trait anxiety and moderate levels of state anxiety and dental anxiety. Higher levels of trait anxiety were obtained for older patients. Women had higher mean levels of dental anxiety and state anxiety that men with a statistically significant difference in STAI-S scales, DAS, and APAIS. Patients with higher trait anxiety and state anxiety showed higher levels of dental anxiety. A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.01) (p = 0.00) was found between the four scales used to measure anxiety. The scale showed higher correlation was STAI-S scale. The 4 scales showed high reliability (α of C.> 0.80). Conclusions: Patients with highest levels of trait anxiety and state anxiety, had more dental anxiety. The STAI-T, STAI-S, DAS and APAIS scales provided useful information about anxiety before the extraction of lower impacted third molars. The STAI-S is the scale with highest correlation and reliability. Key words:Extraction of impacted lower third molars, preoperative anxiety, dental anxiety, trait anxiety, state anxiety.

The relationship between maternal postpartum psychological state and breast milk secretory immunoglobulin A level.

Maternal psychological state may influence the passive transfer of immune factors (e.g., immunoglobulin) via the mother's breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between mothers' postpartum psychological state and their breast milk secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels. Eighty-one mothers who delivered at an urban general hospital were included in our analysis. Two weeks after delivery, we measured their breast milk SIgA levels and simultaneously documented their psychological state using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. Breast milk SIgA levels were negatively correlated with negative POMS states (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue, and confusion). A negative correlation was also observed between SIgA levels and GHQ mental health (r = -.625, P = .000), and a similar negative correlation was observed with STAI trait and state anxieties. However, no correlation existed between breast milk SIgA levels and the positive POMS state (vigor). These results indicate that the maternal psychological state may affect the immune properties of breast milk.

Study on Factors Associated with Repeated Gambling Among Gamblers Anonymous Participants

Objective: While there are some Gamblers Anonymous (GA) participants who gamble again, no studies have investigated factors that differentiate GA participants who can quit repeated gambling from those who gamble again. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether individuals who participated in GA, a self-help groups, gambled again, and to identify the factors that were associated with those who gambled again after participating in GA. Methods: The subjects were 58 pathological gamblers who had participated in GA group meetings. We divided the subjects into 2 groups, a group who had gambled again and group who had not, and we investigated associations with their basic information, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait Version (STAI-T), Generalized Self Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Effortful Control Scale for Adults (ECSA). Results: The replies regarding whether they had gambled again after participating in GA showed that 25 (43.1%) had not and 33 had (56.9%). A logistic regression analysis showed that GSES and ECSA “inhibitory control” as significant factors that were associated with whether a subject returned to gambling. Conclusion: These results suggested that it may be possible to identify people who have a temperament that makes them tend to gamble again by evaluating their self-efficacy and inhibitory control.

Change in self-discrepancy, anxiety, and depression in individual therapy.

This study tested hypotheses of change in the real-ideal (RI) and real-ought (RO) self-discrepancies over the course of therapy, based on Rogers's (1959) theory of personality change in therapy. Before and after therapy with 20 therapists of diverse theoretical orientations at a university counseling center, 99 undergraduate and graduate students completed three instruments that measure both self-discrepancies: the Self-Concept Questionnaire--Personal Constructs, the Self-Concept Questionnaire--Conventional Constructs, and the Abstract Measures. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait scale, and the Symptom Checklist-90-R Anxiety and Depression scales. Therapy outcome showed substantial decreases on all measures. Changes in the RI and RO self-discrepancies were associated with changes in anxiety and depression. Change in the RI self-discrepancy was associated with change in the RO self-discrepancy. Decreases in self-discrepancy comprised increases in real self and decreases in ideal self and ought self. Findings were independent of therapist theoretical orientation. The findings support the use of the self-discrepancy instruments in future research on therapy process and outcome. The findings also provide a basis for incorporating the self-discrepancy constructs into theory and research on mechanisms of therapeutic change.

Impact of preprocedural anxiety levels on pain perception in patients undergoing office hysteroscopy

BackgroundWe aimed to determine if preprocedural anxiety levels had a significant association with procedure-related pain in women undergoing office hysteroscopy (OH) and also to assess the effect of various clinical factors on pain perception in these women. MethodsThere were 148 women undergoing OH enrolled in this observational study. Before examination, patients were asked to complete two forms, the STAI-T (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Trait) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State) anxiety scales, to evaluate their usual anxiety state and state of anxiety during the examination. Patients were asked to quantify on a visual analog scale the pain felt during and 60 minutes after the procedure. Associations between STAI and visual analog scale scores were assessed using correlation analysis. The effects of various contributing factors on pain perception were investigated with linear regression analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThe preprocedural mean trait and state anxiety scores were 38.4 ± 9.2 and 44.8 ± 10.0, respectively, and the mean patient age was 43.6 ± 3.3 years. During OH, there were significant positive correlations between in-hospital waiting time, procedure time, preprocedural trait or state anxiety scores, and pain. Sixty minutes after OH, significant positive correlations between in-hospital waiting time, procedure time, preprocedural state or trait anxiety scores, and pain were observed. There was also a significant negative correlation between parity and procedure-related pain 60 minutes after procedure. OH-related pain scores during the procedure were significantly affected by in-hospital waiting time (p < 0.001), state anxiety level (p = 0.001), and trait anxiety level (p = 0.01). However, 60 minutes after the procedure, pain was affected by patient parity (p = 0.02), procedure time (p = 0.002), and preprocedural state anxiety level (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe pain that study participants felt during and soon after OH was negatively affected by preprocedural anxiety levels. Some factors, such as reducing the waiting time before the procedure, might be useful in reducing anxiety levels.

Anxiety in the management of localised prostate cancer by active surveillance.

To describe a range of anxieties in men on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer and determine which of these anxieties predicted health-related quality of life (HRQL). In all, 260 men with prostate cancer on AS were invited to complete psychological measures including the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Scale; the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer; and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Prostate. Overall, 86 men with a mean (sd, range) age of 65.7 (5.4, 51-75) years returned data, yielding a response rate of 33%. Outcome measures were standardised psychological measures. Pearson's correlations were used to examine bivariate relationships, while regression analyses were used to describe predictors of dependent variables. When compared with the findings of prior research, the men in our cohort had normal levels of general anxiety and illness-specific anxiety and high prostate cancer-related HRQL. Age, trait anxiety and fear of recurrence (FoR) were significant predictors of prostate cancer-related HRQL; trait anxiety and FoR were significant predictors of total HRQL. Results should be interpreted in context of sample characteristics and the correlational design of the study. Participants reported low levels of anxiety and high HRQL. Trait anxiety and FoR were significant predictors of both prostate cancer-related and total HRQL. The administration of a short trait-anxiety screening tool may help identify men with clinically significant levels of anxiety and those at risk of reduced HRQL.

SAT0126 Correlation of Sleep Disturbance with Disease Activity, Psychological State, Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BackgroundSleep disturbance is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sleep disturbance is thought to have some influence on psychological state, self-efficacy and Quality of Life (QOL) in patients with RA.ObjectivesTo evaluate...

Validation of the Spanish versions of the long (26 items) and short (12 items) forms of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)

BackgroundSelf-compassion is a key psychological construct for assessing clinical outcomes in mindfulness-based interventions. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish versions of the long (26 item) and short (12 item) forms of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS).MethodsThe translated Spanish versions of both subscales were administered to two independent samples: Sample 1 was comprised of university students (n = 268) who were recruited to validate the long form, and Sample 2 was comprised of Aragon Health Service workers (n = 271) who were recruited to validate the short form. In addition to SCS, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Trait (STAI-T), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) were administered. Construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity were tested.ResultsThe Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the long and short forms of the SCS confirmed the original six-factor model in both scales, showing goodness of fit. Cronbach’s α for the 26 item SCS was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.85-0.90) and ranged between 0.72 and 0.79 for the 6 subscales. Cronbach’s α for the 12-item SCS was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.81-0.88) and ranged between 0.71 and 0.77 for the 6 subscales. The long (26-item) form of the SCS showed a test-retest coefficient of 0.92 (95% CI = 0.89–0.94). The Intraclass Correlation (ICC) for the 6 subscales ranged from 0.84 to 0.93. The short (12-item) form of the SCS showed a test-retest coefficient of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.93). The ICC for the 6 subscales ranged from 0.79 to 0.91. The long and short forms of the SCS exhibited a significant negative correlation with the BDI, the STAI and the PSQ, and a significant positive correlation with the MAAS. The correlation between the total score of the long and short SCS form was r = 0.92.ConclusionThe Spanish versions of the long (26-item) and short (12-item) forms of the SCS are valid and reliable instruments for the evaluation of self-compassion among the general population. These results substantiate the use of this scale in research and clinical practice.

Validation of the Japanese version of the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test and the association of sleep reactivity with trait anxiety and insomnia

ObjectiveOur study was conducted to validate the Japanese version of the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST-J) and to clarify the association of the measure with trait anxiety and insomnia in healthy subjects and insomnia patients. MethodsWe studied 161 healthy subjects and 177 insomnia patients who completed the FIRST-J, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait (STAI). The healthy subjects and the insomnia patients were classified, respectively, into two groups with high FIRST-J and low FIRST-J scores (divided by the median value of healthy subjects). ResultsCronbach α coefficients of the FIRST-J in the insomnia patients and healthy subjects were 0.89 and 0.87, respectively. Factor analysis revealed that the FIRST-J had a single-factor structure. The FIRST-J score significantly correlated with all other measures in the healthy subjects, though the score only correlated with the score of the STAI in the insomnia patients. The healthy subjects with high FIRST-J scores showed higher scores of the AIS and STAI than those with low FIRST-J scores. Furthermore, insomnia patients had a higher total score of the FIRST-J than the healthy subjects. ConclusionsThe FIRST-J is an important tool for assessing vulnerability to insomnia.

Relationship between alexithymia and coping strategies in patients with somatoform disorder

PurposeA multidimensional intervention integrating alexithymia, negative affect, and type of coping strategy is needed for the effective treatment of somatoform disorder; however, few studies have applied this approach to the three different dimensions of alexithymia in patients with somatoform disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between type of coping strategy and three different dimensions of alexithymia expressed in patients.Patients and methodsA total of 196 patients with somatoform disorder completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, and the Lazarus Stress Coping Inventory. The relationships between alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale – 20 score and subscales), demographic variables, and psychological inventory scores were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe mean Toronto Alexithymia Scale – 20 total score (56.1±10.57) was positively correlated with the number of physical symptoms as well as with psychopathology scores (Self-Rating Depression Scale, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory trait, state, and Somatosensory Amplification Scale), but negatively correlated with planful problem solving, confrontive coping, seeking social support, and positive reappraisal coping scores. With respect to coping strategy, multiple regression analyses revealed that “difficulty in identifying feelings” was positively associated with an escape–avoidance strategy, “difficulty in describing feelings” was negatively associated with a seeking social support strategy, and “externally oriented thinking” was negatively associated with a confrontive coping strategy.ConclusionAlexithymia was strongly associated with the number of somatic symptoms and negative affect. Patients with high “difficulty in describing feelings” tend to rely less on seeking social support, and patients with high “externally oriented thinking” tend to rely less on confrontive coping strategies. The coping skills intervention implemented should differ across individuals and should be based on the alexithymia dimension of each patient.

Clinical correlates of anhedonia in patients with Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of anhedonia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to also examine the relationship between anhedonia and the QOL. MethodsOne hundred and seventeen patients with PD completed the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II), Starkstein's Apathy Scale (AS) and a quality of life (QOL) battery. Hoehn and Yahr (HY) staging, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were administered on the same day. ResultsAnhedonia (SHAPS score≥3) was diagnosed in 15% of the patients. The SHAPS score was found to be significantly correlated with the HY stage and the UPDRS (I, IVB, IVC, total), BDI-II, AS and STAI (State, Trait) scores. A multivariate analysis revealed that the BDI-II and STAI (Trait) scores significantly influenced the SHAPS scores. The SHAPS scores were found to be negatively correlated with the QOL. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that anhedonia is associated with depression and anxiety. In addition, recognizing anhedonia in patients with PD is important since it may have a negative effect on the QOL.

Maternal Anxiety and Breastfeeding

Maternal anxiety and depression may impair maternal intention, motivation, and self-efficacy in multiple domains associated with child health including breastfeeding. We tested the hypothesis that mothers who experience substantial anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum period are at increased risk for reduced initiation, exclusivity, and continuation of breastfeeding. We obtained data on 255 Canadian pregnant women from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) study recruited between June 2004 and February 2009. We utilized data collected from 18 to 23 weeks gestation through 12 months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were associated with initiation, exclusivity, and continuation of breastfeeding. Prenatal anxiety was not associated with breastfeeding outcomes. In adjusted models, a single point increase in HAM-A scores at 3 months postpartum was associated with an 11% reduction in the odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99). A single point increase in STAI State and STAI Trait scores at 3 months postpartum was associated with a 4% (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99) and 7% (aOR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00) reduction, respectively, in the odds of any breastfeeding at 12 months. Our findings suggest a relationship between maternal anxiety and reduced exclusivity and continuation of breastfeeding. Maternal anxiety should be actively monitored and managed appropriately in the postpartum period to support optimal breastfeeding practices.

Sexual Compulsivity Comorbidity With Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use in Students From Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

The main purpose of this study was to examine relationships between sexual compulsivity, depression (including level of self-esteem) anxiety, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in a sample of 1,711 students from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sexual compulsivity, depression, and anxiety were measured with standardized scales and inventories (the Sexual Compulsivity Scale – SCS, the Beck Depression Inventory – BDI, and the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait, STAI-T, respectively), whereas specific questions about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use were modified for the purpose of this study. Results indicated positive, significant but low correlations between sexual compulsivity and depression; sexual compulsivity and anxiety; and sexual compulsivity and substance use; whereas a low, negative but significant correlation was obtained between sexual compulsivity and self-esteem. The strongest predictor of sexual compulsivity was drug use; two other significant predictors were alcohol and depression. Limitations of the study are discussed in the end.

Alcohol use, anxiety, and insomnia in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder.

To examine alcohol consumption among older primary care patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); its relationship to demographic variables, insomnia, worry, and anxiety; and its moderating role on the anxiety-insomnia relationship. We expected alcohol use to be similar to previous reports, correlate with higher anxiety and insomnia, and worsen the anxiety-insomnia relationship. Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine. 223 patients, 60 years and older, with GAD. Frequency of alcohol use, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), worry (Penn State Worry Questionnaire - Abbreviated, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - Trait subscale, Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [SIGH-A]). Most patients endorsed alcohol use, but frequency was low. Presence and frequency were greater than in previous reports of primary care samples. Alcohol use was associated with higher education, female gender, less severe insomnia, and lower worry (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait subscale; SIGH-A). Whites reportedmore drinks/week than African-Americans. More drinks/week were associated with higher education and lower anxiety (SIGH-A). Weaker relationships between worry/anxiety and insomnia occurred for those drinking. Drink frequency moderated the positive association between the Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated and insomnia, which was lower with higher frequency of drinking. Older adults with GAD use alcohol at an increased rate, but mild to moderate drinkers do not experience sleep difficulties. A modest amount of alcohol may minimize the association between anxiety/worry and insomnia among this group.

Perceived Parental Rearing Behaviours, Responsibility Attitudes and Life Events as Predictors of Obsessive Compulsive Symptomatology: Test of a Cognitive Model

It is important to investigate the role of cognitive, developmental and environmental factors in the development and maintenance of Obsessive Compulsive Symptomatology (OCS). The main objective of this study was to examine the vulnerability factors of OCS in a non-clinical sample. On the basis of Salkovskis' cognitive model of OCD, the study aimed to investigate the role of perceived parental rearing behaviours, responsibility attitudes, and life events in predicting OCS. Furthermore, the mediator role of responsibility attitudes in the relationship between perceived parental rearing behaviours and OCS was examined. Finally, the specificity of these variables to OCS was evaluated by examining the relationship of the same variables with depression and trait anxiety. A total of 300 university students (M = 19.55±1.79) were administered the Padua Inventory-Washington State University Revision, Responsibility Attitudes Scale, s-EMBU (My memories of upbringing), Life Events Inventory for University Students, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Form. Regression analysis revealed that perceived mother overprotection, responsibility attitudes and life events significantly predicted OCS. Furthermore, responsibility attitudes mediated the relationship between perceived mother overprotection and OCS. The predictive role of perceived mother overprotection and the mediator role responsibility attitudes were OCS specific. The findings of the present study supported that perceived mother over-protection as a developmental vulnerability factor significantly contributed to the explanation of a cognitive vulnerability factor (namely responsibility attitudes), and perceived maternal overprotection had its predictive role for OCS through responsibility attitudes.

AB0822-HPR Correlation of psychological state with patient global assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundPatient global assessment (PGA) and evaluator global assessment (EGA) often differ in their perceptions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of...

A prospective study evaluating emotional disturbance in subjects undergoing defecating proctography

To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric illness in association with functional gastrointestinal disorders using defecating proctography (DP) and validated questionnaires. We prospectively evaluated 45 subjects referred for DP using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), patient health questionnaire 15-item somatic symptom severity scale (PHQ-15), validated questionnaires for sexual or physical abuse; post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire (PTSD) and ROME-III questionnaires for gastrointestinal complaints. DP results were considered negative if levator ani function was normal, rectoceles (if any) were < 4 cm and there was no evidence of intussusception, rectal prolapse, or other anatomic abnormality demonstrated. Subjects were subsequently divided into those with structural defects seen on DP (DP positive group) and those with a normal defecography study (DP negative group). Forty five subjects were included in the study of which 20 subjects were classified as DP negative (44.4%). There was a striking prevalence of a history of sexual abuse in DP negative group compared to the DP positive group (n = 9, 5 respectively; P = 0.036). Further, subjects in the DP negative group scored significantly higher on the HADS anxiety (6.60 ± 1.00 vs 4.72 ± 0.40, P = 0.04) and depression scales (5.72 ± 1.00 vs 3.25 ± 0.46, P = 0.01). This correlated well with significantly higher scores on the STAI state anxiety scale (42.75 ± 3.16 vs 35.6 ± 2.00, P = 0.027), PHQ-15 questionnaire (13.15 ± 0.82 vs 10.76 ± 0.97, P = 0.038) and prevalence of PTSD (20% vs 4%, P = 0.045) among DP negative subjects. There was no difference between the groups in terms of STAI trait anxiety. The findings of this prospective study demonstrate a significantly high degree of psychiatric ailments in patients with negative findings on DP who should be appropriately screened for a history of sexual abuse and symptoms of psychosocial distress.

Development of a Short Version of the Dutch Version of the Spielberger STAI Trait Anxiety Scale in Women Suspected of Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Survivors

The objective of the current study was to develop a short form of the Dutch version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Trait scale and to provide initial validation data in a sample of breast cancer patients and survivors. This short trait anxiety (A-Trait) scale was designed to reduce time and effort required of severely ill or handicapped patients involved in extensive assessment procedures. Another goal was to assess A-Trait with minimal overlap with content that reflects Quality of Life (QoL) and fatigue. Three groups of women either completed the original Trait scale (Groups 1 and 2) or the 10-item trait version (Group 3). In Group 1, exploratory factor analysis with the Scree test, Velicer's MAP criteria and parallel analysis as tests for factor retention, indicated a 10-item Trait version reflecting two factors: Anxiety Present and Anxiety Absent. In the other groups, confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor short form provided the best fit. In all three groups Trait Anxiety was highly related to Neuroticism. The correlation between Overall QoL and General Health and the Anxiety Present short scale was lower than the correlation between Overall QoL and General Health and the full form (Z=2.20, p=.03). With this short A-Trait scale it becomes possible to study the relationship between dispositional anxiety and clinically important outcome variables without inflating estimates of these relations through psychometric contamination.

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Managing Interpersonal Difference: Implications for Couples Counselling

This study investigated the relationship between the capacity to manage and tolerate difference in others and trait anxiety. Data was provided from a sample of 173 students from an Australian higher education institution who completed The Emotional Reactivity Subscale of the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R), The State Trait Anxiety Inventory – trait (STAI-T), and The Tolerating Interpersonal Differences Subscale of the Differentiation Factor Inventory – Revised (DFI-R). Results reveal that trait anxiety when measured by both the STAI-T and DSI-R Emotional Reactivity Subscale, is a significant inverse predictor of the capacity to tolerate interpersonal differences within close relationships. Implications of these findings for the practice of couples therapy, including the role of relationship counsellors in helping their clients learn to more effectively manage difficult emotions like anxiety more effectively, are explored.