Development and Initial Validation of a Bio-behavioral Measure of Anxiety Sensitivity

Abstract

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a relatively stable individual difference factor reflecting the fear of anxiety-related sensations. AS is a transdiagnostic factor of psychopathology. Despite well-validated self-report methods to measure AS, no study to date has used AS-specific stimuli to measure threat responses from a motoric fashion. Using a dual-task attentional control paradigm (i.e., approach versus avoidance) that employs AS-specific stimuli and motion-tracking technology, we sought to develop an easy-to-use bio-behavioral index of AS in sample of young adults (58.3% female, M age = 25.3, SD = 8.3; range = 18-56 years). Participants completed a self-report measure of AS (ASI-3) and subsequently took part in a virtual reality ball catching game to index their measures of approach and avoidance towards the AS-specific and neutral stimuli presented at either side of the game environment. The ASI-3 total score as well as the subscales cognitive and physical concerns showed significant bivariate correlations with the behavioral engagement with AS-specific stimuli, but not behavioral engagement with the neutral stimuli. After adjusting for age, gender, race, handedness, physical functioning, and negative affectivity, ASI-3 total score and the AS cognitive concern demonstrated significant relations with behavioral engagement with AS-specific stimuli. The present study provides preliminary, yet novel, evidence regarding the association between facets of AS with behavioral responses to AS-specific images. Future work is needed to replicate and extend the current results to clinical samples and test associations over larger periods of time.Psychology, Department o