The Structural Relationship of Anxiety Sensitivity, Worry and Difficulty in Regulating Emotions with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder

The aim of this study is to evaluate the structural relationships of anxiety sensitivity, worry and difficulty in regulating emotions with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. For this purpose, in a hypothetical structural model plan, which represented a network of direct and indirect relationships between anxiety, worry and difficulty in regulating emotions with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, 250 (125 boys and 125 girls) of Tabriz University students were selected by cluster sampling. They were evaluated in terms of sensitivity to anxiety, worry, and difficulty in regulating emotion, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling indicated that sensitivity to anxiety, worry and difficulty in regulating emotions have a profound impact on anxiety disorders. The findings supported the appropriate fitness of hypothetical structure in the variables of study. The current study has provided a useful framework for formation and development of anxiety disorders apart from confirming previous findings and increases our knowledge of the etiology of these disorders.