Relationship between behavioral brain system activity and anxiety sensitivity with mediating role of personality traits

Anxiety as a part of modern human life is present in all people at a moderate level and is considered an adaptive response to environmental stimuli. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between behavioral brain system activity and anxiety sensitivity with mediating role of personality traits. 

The study population consists of all students of Zahedan universities (2020-2021). Among them, 371 students from associate to doctorate levels were selected by non-random and purposeful sampling. They fulfilled Jackson Five Factors Questionnaire, Reiss et al. Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), and Personality Traits Questionnaire (NEO-FFI). The data were analyzed by AMOS statistical program and SPSS 22 version.

The fight-flight-freezing system negatively and significantly predicts anxiety sensitivity (P< 0.001, β= -0.43). At the same time, the behavioral activation and inhibition systems do not significantly predict anxiety sensitivity (P> 0.05). Among the predictor variables, neuroticism (P< 0.001, β= 0.417) and conscientiousness (P< 0.05, β= 0.117) positively and agreeableness negatively (P< 0.05, β= -0.133) predict anxiety sensitivity. In contrast, extraversion and openness to experience do not predict anxiety sensitivity (P> 0.05). The results show that the overall effect of the behavioral activation system on anxiety sensitivity is not significant. 

The findings revealed that personality traits and behavioral brain systems in some components can predict anxiety sensitivity levels in individuals.