A hierarchical model for the relationships between general and specific vulnerability factors and symptom levels of generalized anxiety disorder.
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.
van der Heiden
Colin
C
Outpatient Treatment Center PsyQ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. c.vanderheiden@psyq.nl
Melchior
Kim
K
Muris
Peter
P
Bouwmeester
S
S
Bos
Arjan E R
AE
van der Molen
Henk T
HT
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