title: Maladaptive Core Beliefs and their Relation to Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
abstract: Research has demonstrated that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) hold unhelpful beliefs about worry, uncertainty, and the problem-solving process. Extant writings (e.g., treatment manuals) also suggest that other types of maladaptive beliefs may characterize those with GAD. However, these other beliefs have received limited empirical attention and are not an explicit component of cognitive theories of GAD. The present study examined the extent to which dysfunctional attitudes, early maladaptive schemas, and broad self-focused and other-focused beliefs explain significant variance in GAD symptoms, over and above negative and positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about uncertainty, and negative beliefs about problems. N = 138 participants classified into Probable GAD and Non-GAD groups completed self-report measures. After controlling for trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, only beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about uncertainty, and schemas reflecting unrelenting standards (e.g., "I must meet all my responsibilities all the time"), the need to self-sacrifice (e.g., "I'm the one who takes care of others"), and less positive views of other people and their intentions (e.g., lower endorsement of views such as "other people are fair"), were unique correlates of Probable GAD versus Non-GAD or GAD severity. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koerner
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tallon
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kusec
mesh_terms: D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: attitudes; cognitive-behavior therapy; core beliefs; generalized anxiety; maladaptive cognitions; worry