title: A hierarchical model for the relationships between general and specific vulnerability factors and symptom levels of generalized anxiety disorder.
abstract: The present study examined a hierarchical model for the relationships between general and specific vulnerability factors and symptom manifestations of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A clinical sample of patients with GAD (N=137) completed a set of self-report questionnaires for measuring neuroticism, extraversion, intolerance of uncertainty, metacognitive beliefs, and symptoms of generalized anxiety (i.e., worry) and depression. A bootstrapping analysis yielded support for a model in which the relation between the general vulnerability factor of neuroticism and symptoms of GAD were mediated by the specific vulnerability factors of intolerance of uncertainty and negative metacognitions. Implications for the classification and treatment of GAD are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Outpatient Treatment Center PsyQ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. c.vanderheiden@psyq.nl
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Heiden
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Melchior
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Muris
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bouwmeester
authors.forename: Arjan E R
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Bos
authors.forename: Henk T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: van der Molen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D004644:Emotions; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009426:Netherlands; D010551:Personality; D012307:Risk Factors; D035501:Uncertainty