Does catastrophizing of bodily sensations maintain health-related anxiety? A 14-day daily diary study with longitudinal follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Health anxiety is common, impairing, and costly. The role of catastrophizing of bodily sensations (i.e. rumination about, overconcern with, and intolerance of bodily sensations) in maintaining health-related anxiety (i.e. anxiety about perceived health problems) is important, but understudied, in the health anxiety literature.


OBJECTIVE
The present study investigates the role of catastrophizing of bodily sensations as a maintenance factor for health-related anxiety over time.


METHODS
Undergraduates (n = 226 women; n = 226 men) completed a baseline assessment, 14-day daily diary study, and 14-day longitudinal follow-up.


RESULTS
Path analysis indicated catastrophizing of bodily sensations maintains health-related anxiety from one month to the next in both men and women.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study bridges an important gap between theory and evidence. Results support cognitive behavioral theories and extend cross-sectional research asserting catastrophizing of bodily sensations maintains health-related anxiety over time. A cyclical, self-perpetuating pattern was observed in the present study wherein catastrophizing of bodily sensations and health-related anxiety contribute to one another over time. Results also suggest targeting catastrophizing of bodily sensations may reduce health-related anxiety.
Dalhousie University,Halifax,Canada.
Chantal M
CM
Gautreau
Dalhousie University,Halifax,Canada.
Simon B
SB
Sherry
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre,Halifax,Canada.
Dayna L
DL
Sherry
Dalhousie University,Halifax,Canada.
Kathryn A
KA
Birnie
Dalhousie University,Halifax,Canada.
Sean P
SP
Mackinnon
Dalhousie University,Halifax,Canada.
Sherry H
SH
Stewart
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D058443:Catastrophization / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Health anxiety; anxiety; catastrophizing; hypochondriasis; longitudinal