Incremental associations between facets of anxiety sensitivity and posttraumatic stress and panic symptoms among trauma-exposed adults

Cogn Behav Ther. 2008;37(2):76-89. doi: 10.1080/16506070801969039.

Abstract

The present investigation examined incremental associations between anxiety sensitivity (AS) subfactors (e.g. physical, psychological, and social concerns) and posttraumatic stress and panic symptoms among trauma-exposed adults. These effects were examined above and beyond other theoretically relevant factors, including negative affectivity and number of types of trauma exposures. The 239 participants were selected from a university- and community-based sample (129 women; mean age = 23.0 years; SD = 9.6, range = 18-65), all of whom endorsed exposure to traumatic life events. The AS psychological concerns and AS physical concerns lower order factors evidenced distinct associations with posttraumatic stress symptoms and panic-relevant symptoms, respectively. Specifically, the AS psychological concerns facet was significantly incrementally predictive of posttraumatic stress-relevant avoidance symptoms. The AS physical concerns facet was significantly incrementally predictive of panic-relevant symptoms, including anxious arousal, body vigilance, and perceived control over anxiety-related events. Results are discussed in the context of the relevant theoretical literature pertaining to shared vulnerability and comorbidity between posttraumatic stress and panic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / epidemiology
  • Panic Disorder / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Temperament*
  • Vermont / epidemiology