Abstract
The present study tested several predictions of a context-sensitivity panic vulnerability model emphasizing the interaction between threat context and threat sensitivities. Participants without a history of panic (N = 47) completed both global and domain-specific panic relevant sensitivity measures and were then randomized to undergo a 35% CO2 inhalation challenge in the presence or absence of a cardiac defibrillator (threat context). As predicted by the model, cardiac sensitivity (but not trait anxiety or anxiety sensitivity) potentiated the effects of the presence of the defibrillator on CO2 fear responding. Moreover, as predicted by the model, the observed potentiation effects of cardiac sensitivity on CO2 fear responding were mediated by participants' threat appraisals connected to the presence of the defibrillator. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 365-372 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anxiety sensitivity
- Cardiac sensitivity
- Context-sensitivity theory of panic
- Panic attacks
- Panic vulnerability
- Theories of panic
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Clinical Psychology
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)