Cognitive predictors of worry in a non-clinical population

Abstract

Although worry is considered to be the key feature of generalised anxiety disorder, it has its own unique properties. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which intolerance of uncertainty, poor problem-solving confidence, positive beliefs about worry and negative thinking style, predicted worry, both individually and in combination, once the effects of trait anxiety were removed. Ninety-six university students participated in the study by completing a battery of questionnaires. Results showed trait anxiety to be the strongest predictor. Further, negative thinking, intolerance of uncertainty and positive beliefs about worry contributed to the prediction of worry individually, beyond the effects of trait anxiety. However, when examined collectively, intolerance of uncertainty and a negative thinking were shown to be superior predictors of worry. The findings support the cognitive processing models of worry and generalised anxiety. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to future research.

Keywords:

• Intolerance of uncertainty
• negative thinking
• poor problem-solving confidence
• positive beliefs about worry
• trait anxiety