Anxiety sensitivity and speech trait anxiety as predictors of state anxiety during public speaking

The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent to which anxiety sensitivity and speech trait anxiety serve as predictors of state anxiety during public speaking. A model is proposed and tested, in which anxiety sensitivity and speech trait anxiety are found to be significant predictors of state anxiety during public speaking. The model accounted for 43.1% of the variance in the dependent variable. Anxiety sensitivity, or fear of physical sensations or consequences, contributes unique variance to anxiety during public speaking beyond that of trait anxiety alone. Implications for theory development, instruction, and therapy are examined.

Key concepts:

• anxiety sensitivity
• trait anxiety
• public speaking