Anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty: requisites of the fundamental fears?

Behav Res Ther. 2007 Oct;45(10):2307-16. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2007.04.006. Epub 2007 Apr 22.

Abstract

Fears related to anxiety sensitivity (AS)-illness/injury sensitivity, fear of negative evaluation, and fear of pain-may have important theoretical associations with intolerance of uncertainty (IU). In separate investigations, AS and IU have been independently related to the same anxiety-related psychopathology. AS and IU seem to share a basis in fearing unknown, potentially harmful consequences; however, their inter-relationship remains uncertain. IU regarding a specific stimulus, a physical sensation for example, may result in a variety of interpretations and responses, including the catastrophic appraisals that characterize AS. The association between AS and IU was examined in a sample of 293 undergraduates. Results of confirmatory factor and correlation analyses suggest the two constructs are related, but nonetheless independent. It appears that IU may be a required component of catastrophic misappraisals while being an important construct related to fear and anxiety in its own right. Future research directions and potential applications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Fear*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Sex Factors
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Uncertainty*