Open AccessCognitive Vulnerability in the Context of Panic: Assessment of Panic-Related Associations and Interpretations in Individuals with Varying Levels of Anxiety Sensitivity
Author(s) -
Lisa Zahler,
K. Sommer,
Andrea Reinecke,
Frank H. Wilhelm,
Jürgen Margraf,
Marcella L. Woud
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
cognitive therapy and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.322
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 1573-2819
pISSN - 0147-5916
DOI - 10.1007/s10608-020-10103-6
Subject(s) - psychology , panic , panic disorder , anxiety sensitivity , association (psychology) , context (archaeology) , anxiety , cognition , priming (agriculture) , clinical psychology , cognitive vulnerability , cognitive bias , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , paleontology , depressive symptoms , botany , germination , biology
Background Cognitive models of panic disorder (PD) highlight the role of panic-related associations and interpretations. However, results are mixed and rely on specific measures. This study examined panic-related associations and interpretations using established and new paradigms in individuals varying on anxiety sensitivity (AS). Methods Associations were measured using a priming task and a novel Single Target Implicit Association Test (STIAT); interpretations were assessed using the Interpretation Bias Questionnaire (IBQ) and a novel Scrambled Sentences Task (SST). Symptoms were assessed via a provocation task (Straw Breathing Task, SBT). Results Panic-related interpretations correlated with AS and other PD-related measures. Of the association tasks, only the priming task correlated with one of the other PD-related measures. Panic-related interpretations assessed via the SST, but not priming, STIAT, and IBQ, predicted SBT reactivity. The relationship between AS and SBT reactivity was mediated by panic-related interpretations. Conclusions Our data provide support for panic-related interpretations as an important cognitive mechanism.