Anxiety Sensitivity and Psychological Vulnerability

Abstract

To date, primary research in the area of panic disorder and similar anxiety pathology has been laboratory-based. A wealth of primary research in panic disorder in particular has been gleaned from laboratory research using biological challenge paradigms by which panic is experimentally provoked. The present work reviews the knowledge based gleaned from the biological challenge paradigm and the competing (and often agreeing) models of panic and anxiety, narrowing to a focus on Reiss (1991) expectancy theory. Within expectancy theory, emphasis is placed upon the role of anxiety sensitivity. Expectancy theory proposes that anxiety sensitivity may serve as a premorbid risk factor for the development of anxiety pathology (Reiss, 1991). Next, this work presents a series of five reports investigating the role of anxiety sensitivity and psychological vulnerability in a number of areas. In addition, the concept of psychological vulnerability factors in general is explored, and other possible risk factors for anxiety pathology, depression, disability, and impairment are examined.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
AD1012154

Entities

People

  • Darin R. Lerew

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cognition
  • Demography
  • Depression
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Health Services
  • Heart Diseases
  • Information Processing
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Military Training
  • Myocardial Ischemia
  • Pain
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Theoretical Analysis.