Showing papers on "Somatic anxiety published in 2013"

Establishing a trait anxiety threshold that signals likelihood of anxiety disorders

Abstract: Evidence suggests that the state trait inventory for cognitive and somatic anxiety (STICSA) may be a more pure measure of anxiety than other commonly used scales. Further, the STICSA has excellent psychometric properties in both clinical and nonclinical samples. The present study aimed to extend the utility of the STICSA-Trait version by identifying a cut-off score that could differentiate a group of clinically diagnosed anxiety disorder patients (n=398) from a group of student controls (n=439). Two receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated cut-off scores of 43 (sensitivity=.73, specificity=.74, classification accuracy=.74) and 40 (sensitivity=.80, specificity=.67, classification accuracy=.73), respectively. In a large community sample (n =6685), a score of 43 identified 11.5% of individuals as probable cases of clinical anxiety, while a score of 40 identified 17.0% of individuals as probable cases of clinical anxiety. As a result of differences in sensitivity and specificity, the present findings suggest a cut-off score of 43 is optimal to identify probable cases of clinical anxiety, while a cut-off score of 40 is optimal to screen for the possible presence of anxiety disorders.

Stereotype Threat and Lift Effects in Motor Task Performance: The Mediating Role of Somatic and Cognitive Anxiety

Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to replicate the stereotype threat and lift effects in a motor task in a neutral sex-typed activity, using somatic and cognitive anxiety as key mediators of these phenomena. It was hypothesized that an ingroup/outgroup social categorization based on gender would have distinctive effects for female and male participants. A total of 161 French physical education students were randomly assigned to three threat conditions—no threat, female threat, and male threat—thus leading to a 3 × 2 (threat by gender) design. The analyses revealed a stereotype lift effect on the performances for both male and female participants, as well as a stereotype threat effect only for female participants. They also indicated that somatic anxiety had a mediating effect on the performance of female participants targeted by a negative stereotype, but that it had a facilitating effect on their performance. The stereotype threat and lift effects on motor tasks were replicated in a neutral sex-...

Ansiedad estado competitiva y estrategias de afrontamiento : su relación con el rendimiento en una muestra argentina de jugadores amateurs de golf

Abstract: The aim of the study is to analyse whether there exists a relationship between the level of competitive state anxiety, the use of coping strategies and the performance of a sample of 77 Argentinian amateur golf players (mean age: 16.14). The design of the study was descriptive, correlational and transversal. For data collection the Spanish versions of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory and the Approach to Coping in Sport Questionnaire were administered. While golf players who show a poorer handicap reveal higher levels of somatic anxiety (r = .30; p < .01), those who achieve better performance in tournaments are the ones who have higher levels of self-confidence (r = -.31; p < .01) and resort to social support as a coping strategy (r = -.27; p < .01).

Hardiness and anxiety interpretation: An investigation into coping usage and effectiveness

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effects of hardiness (high vs. low hardiness) and anxiety direction (facilitators vs. debilitators) on performers' competitive anxiety intensity responses, self-confidence levels and the frequency and effectiveness of coping usage. Significant interaction effects showed that the high hardiness/facilitators reported the greatest use of planning, active coping and effort strategies during stressful competitive situations and viewed this use as more effective in dealing with these situations than the other groups. Main effects for hardiness on the competitive anxiety response and self-confidence revealed the high hardiness group to have lower levels of worry and somatic anxiety and higher levels of self-confidence than the low hardiness group. These findings have important implications for the development of hardiness-related coping strategies in sport performers.

Comparisons between Asian and German male adolescent athletes on goal orientation, physical self-concept, and competitive anxiety

Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to look for differences and similarities in motivation, self-concept, and competitive anxiety between adolescent German and Chinese soccer and Pakistani hockey players. This comparison is done within the cross-cultural framework of individualism/collectivism with Germans regarded as representatives of an individualistic country, and Chinese and Pakistani players as representatives of collectivist countries. Measures were subscales of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 in Chinese, German, or English versions. Chinese and Pakistani players reported higher ego- and lower task-orientation and higher cognitive anxiety than German players. Results in somatic anxiety were mixed with Germans scoring higher than Chinese, but lower than Pakistani athletes. With respect to physical self-concept, there were large differences in all subscales between German and Chinese pla...

Anxiety and Disordered Eating.

Abstract: Empirical accounts of a relation between anxiety and eating disorders date as far back as 1950 (e.g., Keys, Brožek, Henschel, Mickelsen, & Taylor, 1950). Investigations into this relation, particularly studies conducted over the past 20 years, have confirmed that individuals with eating disorders are at significantly elevated risk for generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Pallister & Waller, 2008; Reyes-Rodriguez et al., 2011). Approximately 65% of patients with eating disorders meet criteria for at least one anxiety disorder, which tends to predate and to persist beyond remission of the eating disorder (Adambegan et al., 2012; Godart et al., 2003; Kaye, Bulik, Thornton, Barbarich, & Masters, 2004; Klump et al., 2004; Swinbourne et al., 2012; Swinbourne & Touyz, 2007). Anxiety has thus come to be considered a possible predisposing risk factor for eating disorders, whereas eating disorders may represent more complex manifestations of underlying anxiety vulnerability. Improving adherence to and outcomes of eating disorder interventions remain important goals, and patients with comorbid anxiety disorders appear especially in need of enhanced interventions as they tend to have poorer illness courses and outcomes (Dellava et al., 2010; Herpertz-Dahlmann et al., 2001; Thornton, Dellava, Root, Lichtenstein, & Bulik, 2011; Yackobovitch-Gavin et al., 2009). The purpose of this special series is to highlight some of the latest work on the relation between anxiety and disordered eating, with the overarching goal of identifying promising areas of research that may ultimately lead to better interventions. To this end, we invited submissions reporting on the interplay among specific anxiety-related vulnerabilities and disordered eating symptoms and risk processes. The eight manuscripts in this special series collectively investigate a range of anxiety and disordered eating constructs, are guided by various theoretical models, and employ complementary research designs and analytic approaches. By analyzing hypothesized relations at multiple levels and by testing theoretically-relevant interactions among variables of interest, these papers help move forward the literature in terms of refining contemporary accounts of the anxiety-disordered eating relation. Below, we provide a brief overview of each article along with a discussion as to how they relate to the theme of this special series. The first two papers in the series build on extant evidence that genetic vulnerability for anxiety may increase risk for eating pathology and help to explain the high rates of anxiety-eating disorder comorbidity (Bellodi et al., 2001; Halmi et al., 1991; Lilenfeld et al, 1998; Strober et al., 2007). Goddard and Treasure (2013) present data suggesting that trait anxiety may be an intermediate phenotype of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN), which comprised the majority of eating disorder diagnoses in their sample. Taborelli and collagues (2013) found that mothers’ anxiety levels while pregnant, as well as maternal overprotection, differentiated between their daughters with and without AN. Importantly, this study highlights that genetic and early environmental influences may be specific to particular eating disorder diagnoses, as these patterns did not emerge for women with bulimia nervosa (BN). Together, these two studies provide support for a potential shared genetic vulnerability for anxiety and AN. The remaining papers in this series explore specific cognitive vulnerability factors common to both anxiety and disordered eating. In one of two papers exploring the interplay among anxiety, eating pathology, and perfectionism, Egan and colleagues (2013) found that anxiety partially mediated the association between eating disorders and self-oriented perfectionism and suggested that treating perfectionism, a plausible transdiagnostic factor, may enhance treatment for both eating and anxiety disorders. In the other study, Menatti, Weeks, Levinson, & McGowan (2013) showed that maladaptive self-evaluative perfectionism, which has been related to core components of social anxiety disorder (Heimberg et al., 2010), mediated the relation between bulimic symptoms and fear of public scrutiny and social interaction anxiety, two important components of social anxiety disorder, over and above distorted body-related thoughts. Related to these two studies, DeBoer and colleagues (2013) examined the role of fear of negative evaluation in the progression of college sorority women’s eating disorder risk factors over time. In this study, fear of negative evaluation predicted subsequent body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms. Thin-ideal internalization was also predicted by prior levels of fear of negative evaluation, but only among women with BMIs that were relatively high (although still within the normal range) for their peer group. Fear of negative evaluation was itself predicted by prior levels of the majority of risk factors included in the dual-pathway etiological model of BN (Stice & Agras, 1998). This study represents an initial attempt at establishing temporal precedence in anxiety and eating symptom amelioration in response to intervention. Two papers in this series highlight specific dimensions of anxiety sensitivity, a risk factor for anxiety- and panic-related disorders more broadly, in eating pathology. Using both cross-sectional and experimental data, Hearon and colleagues (2013) found that anxiety sensitivity was positively associated with self-reports of emotional eating, coping motives for eating, and expectancies that eating leads to loss of control. They also found that body mass index (BMI) interacted with fear of loss of mental control (a sub-dimension of anxiety sensitivity) and the belief that eating leads to feeling out of control to predict overeating. Although anxiety sensitivity appears to be a risk factor for eating pathology (Anestis et al., 2008; DeBoer et al., 2012), and both eating disorders and anxiety sensitivity are risk factors for suicidality (Capron et al., 2012a, b), elevated sensitivity to somatic anxiety symptoms may actually protect women with elevated ED symptomology against suicidality, as less aversion to physical pain is associated with acquired capability for suicide (Fink et al., 2013). These two studies represent an important direction for anxiety-eating disorder comorbidity research in their efforts to tease apart the relative risk conferred by specific sub-components of anxiety vulnerability constructs. Bardone-Cone and colleagues’ (2013) contribution to this issue suggests that anxiety’s associations with various facets of eating pathology may be strongest among women who tend to derive their self-worth from their physical appearance. Their results also suggest that the extent to which one’s social group values physical appearance, as reflected by the frequency of appearance-focused conversations, independently moderates the association between anxiety and binge eating. Such personal and cultural emphases on appearance and thinness may be particularly common in certain Western subcultures. As noted by DeBoer and colleagues (2013), associations among anxiety and eating disorder symptoms may be stronger among women with high BMIs relative to their peer group (even if in a healthy range) if they have low self-esteem and are also embedded in an environment that emphasizes physical appearance (Cashel, Cunningham, Landeros, Cokley, & Muhammad, 2003). The findings from these six manuscripts suggest that perfectionism, fear of negative evaluation, anxiety sensitivity, and appearance-related self-worth may be worthwhile targets for eating disorder prevention and intervention. Additionally, it appears that the influence of some anxiety variables (i.e., fear of negative evaluation and anxiety sensitivity) and may be more pronounced for women with relatively high BMIs. We hope that this issue will: (1) inform readers of the theoretical importance and clinical significance of this area of research; (2) highlight the various constructs currently thought to be most pertinent to the anxiety-eating disorder relation; and (3) identify promising directions for future investigation. As demonstrated by the eight contributions to this issue, our understanding of the nature of anxiety-eating disorder comorbidity has grown remarkably since 1950. As such high-quality empirical work continues to accumulate, the field will become better able to quickly identify at-risk individuals and to enhance interventions for both anxiety and eating disorders.

The Prospective Role of Depression, Anxiety, and Worry in Stress Generation

Abstract: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by worry and somatic anxiety symptoms which may generate dependent negative events and convey risk for depression. The current study prospectively examined the role of anxiety, worry, and depression in stress generation among an unselected undergraduate sample using a cross-lagged panel design with data collected at three time points. Results partially supported the role of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms as risk factors for dependent events. However, the role of worry in stress generation was not supported. The current study also suggested that anxiety symptoms serve as a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms and that depressive symptoms mediate the association between anxiety symptoms and negative life events over time. These findings partially support the role of anxiety in the stress generation process and are consistent with a model of sequential comorbidity in which anxiety symptoms convey risk for depression. The importance of ...

The Relationship of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression with Disease Severity and Treatment Modality in Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Findings about the relationship between psychopathology and severity of myasthenia gravis (MG) seem scarce and conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of depressive and anxiety symptoms with disease severity and treatment modalities among a cohort of patients with MG. METHODS Sixty-seven patients, who presented to the neuromuscular outpatient clinic, at a neuropsychiatry hospital in Istanbul, Turkey in a two-month period, were recruited consecutively. A total of 42 patients with MG were invited to participate in the study. None of the patients refused to participate. Severity of MG was assessed according to the Osserman and Genkins classification. The participants were evaluated by a sociodemographic form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item version (HAM-D), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). RESULTS The patients with stage IIB MG had significantly higher scores on the BAI, HAM-D, HAM-A total and somatic anxiety than those with stage I and IIA MG (p<0.05). Likewise, the patients taking a combination of prednisolone+pyridostigmine/azathioprine had significantly higher scores on the BAI, HAM-D, HAM-A total and somatic anxiety than those taking only prednisolone (p<0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that disease severity and stressful life events were the factors associated with the HAM-D scores. Disease severity, treatment modalities, and gender were the factors associated with the HAM-A scores. CONCLUSION The results of the present study may suggest that patients with relatively more severe MG or those taking a combination of immunosupressive and anticholinesterase medications need psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Depression, anxiety and stress scale: Reliability and validity of Hindi adaptation

Abstract: The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) is a promising 42-item self-reported measurement scale of depression, anxiety, and stress (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Theoretically, the DASS corresponds with the tripartite model of anxiety and depression (Clark & Watson, 1991). This model suggests that anxiety and depression have both shared and unique features. Depression is uniquely characterized by low positive affect and anhedonia, while anxiety has physiological hyperarousal as a unique feature. Depression and anxiety have a non-specific factor of general distress in common. This tripartite view has been supported in a variety of studies, including factor analytic studies by Watson et al. ( 1995a, 1995b), and Endler, et al (2003), which revealed three separate variables (general distress, anhedonia vs. positive effect, and somatic anxiety).Based on their review of psychometric literature some researchers have concluded that earlier measures of anxiety and depression involve overlapping contents and correlate with one another quite highly (Clark, 1989; Moras, et al., 1992). Further, the trait version of the StateTrait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T; Spielberger, 1983) is at least as sensitive to symptoms of depression as it is to symptoms of anxiety (Beding, et al., 1998). The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; Beck & Steer, 1990) has been found to overlap less with measures of depression compared with other anxiety measures (Beck et al., 1988). However, the BAI items also tend to overlap almost exclusively with the panic attack symptoms and do not adequately capture other important features of anxiety, such as worry, agitation, and muscle tension (Antony et al., 1998; Cox et al., 1996). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) may hold more promise for distinction between anxiety and depression, as well as between symptoms of physical arousal and symptoms of generalized anxiety (e.g., tension or agitation). Factor analytic studies with nonclinical (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) and clinical samples (Antony et al., 1998; Brown et al., 1997; Clara et al, 2001; Crawford & Henry, 2003; Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 2003) have confirmed that the DASS items can be reliably grouped into three scales: (a) Depression (DASS-D), (b) Anxiety (DASS-A), and (c) Stress (DASS-S). The Depression Scale includes items that measure symptoms typically associated with dysphoric mood (e.g., sadness or worthlessness). Anxiety Scale, like the BAI, includes items that are primarily related to symptoms of physical arousal, panic attacks, and fear (e.g., trembling or faintness). Finally, Stress Scale includes items that measure symptoms such as tension, irritability, and a tendency to overreact to stressful events symptoms that are not assessed by the BAI. The survey of available literature regarding psychometric properties of DASS indicates that all of these studies used English version of the scale with English speaking participants. This situation raises a question about the external validity of the findings of these studies. Thus, the present research focused on the question whether the previous findings pertaining to the reliability and validity as well as simple factor structure of DASS can be generalized to participants for whom English is a second and sometimes third language. The puipose of the present research was to translate DASS in to Hindi language and obtain reliability and validity for further use in clinical and nonclinical population.This paper describes the Hindi adaptation and standardization of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) Lovibond & lovibond ( 1995). The study was conducted in order to meet the need of assessment tool measuring depression anxiety and stress among a large population of India whose measure known language is Hindi. We developed Hindi version of DASS following all the steps such as forward and backward translation, testing item equivalence with bilingual sample. …

Pre-competitive anxiety and self-confidence in pan american gymnasts

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the intensity and direction of pre-competitive anxiety indicators (both somatic and cognitive), as well as self-confidence, in gymnasts participating in the 2011 Pan American Games. Sixty male and female artistic gymnasts participated, with ages ranging from 15 to 30 years (M = 21.04 years, SD = 4.016). The Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R, Andrade, Lois, & Arce, 2007; Cox, Martens, & Rusell, 2003) and the direction scale by Jones and Swain (1992) were both administered. The results revealed that the intensity and direction of cognitive anxiety were positively correlated with the intensity and direction of somatic anxiety (r = .55 and r = .53, respectively), while self-confidence was negatively correlated with the intensity of cognitive anxiety (r = - 305) and also predicted it (β = - .192). Women reported significantly higher perceived somatic anxiety levels (2.79) than men (2.48). In conclusion, high levels of self-confidence decreased the perception of cognitive anxiety as being debilitative to gymnasts competing at the Pan American level.

Relations of Competitive State Anxiety and Efficacy of Young Volleyball Players

Abstract: With the aim of validating the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory on a population of young Croatian volleyball players, 286 examinees, 106 male and 180 female volleyball players (average age of 16.09+/-1.83), filled out the CSAI-2, constructed by Martens, Vealey, Burton, Bump and Smith (1990)1. Given the fact that all scales of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory have good homogeneity, reliability and sensitivity, it can be concluded that they represent high-quality measuring instruments for measuring psychological characteristics of young volleyball players. Young male and female volleyball players generally have a moderate level of self-confidence, and their cognitive anxiety is more prominent that somatic anxiety. In order to determine the age and gender differences in somatic and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence, parametric analysis of differences was performed and coefficients of the independent samples t-test were calculated. By analysis of differences according to age, it has been established that female junior players, in relation to female youth players, express a significantly lower level of somatic and cognitive anxiety and a significantly higher level of self-confidence. As opposed to female players, male youth and junior players do not differ in any of the analysed variables. By analysis of differences according to gender, it has been established that male youth players have a significantly higher level of self-confidence in comparison to female youth players. No significant differences were found in the level of competitive anxiety and self-confidence by analysis of variance between different player roles. No significant differences were found by discriminant analysis in somatic and cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence of female volleyball players of different situational efficacy. The group of least efficient male volleyball players is characterized by a very low level of self-confidence, while the most efficient group of volleyball players is characterized by a somewhat lower level of cognitive and somatic anxiety.

Factors influencing competitive anxiety in Brazilian athletes

Abstract: The study of factors influencing competitive anxiety, according to a multidimensional perspective and supported by valid instruments, is scarce among Brazilian athletes of different sports. The present study aims to: i) investigate the theoretical relationship between the different dimensions of the multidimensional theory of anxiety (i.e., cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence); and ii) investigate the effects of gender, type of sport (individual or collective) and competitive experience levels on cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence. A total of 303 athletes (233 males and 70 females), from different sports, aged between 18 and 40 years (M =24.22, SD = 5.07) completed a shortened version of CSAI-2 (i.e., CSAI-2R), about one hour before the start of competitions. Results revealed significant correlations between cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence dimensions, in accordance with the assumptions of the multidimensional theory. Additionally, comparative analyses indicated that female athletes and athletes from collective sports showed higher levels of cognitive anxiety, while male athletes and athletes with high competitive experience reported higher levels of self-confidence. These results were discussed taking into account the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for planning interventions of sport psychology in Brazil with athletes of different contexts.

Revisitando a Simon & Martens: la ansiedad competitiva en deportes de iniciación

Abstract: This work revisits and updates a classic sport psychology article by Simon and Martens (1979). As in that case, our study compares competitive trait anxiety in different sports and recreational activities grouped by two variables: Collaboration, which distinguishes between individual and collective activities; and Skill, which distinguishes between activities in which common skills are required and those in which perceptual skills are required. 643 athletes and 140 castellers answered the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 and their ratings were compared using analysis of variance considering Collaboration and Skill variables, as well as the interaction between them. Results suggest that athletes participating in activities in which a common skill is required show higher levels of Somatic Anxiety and Worries. Moreover, participants in individual sports rate higher in Concentration Disruption than those in collective sports or recreational activities. An interactive effect of Collaboration and Skill variables was found on the Worries subscale. An additional comparison between athletic and recreational activities was conducted showing that the Somatic Anxiety of the castellers is equivalent to athletes, but concerning Worries and Concentration Disruption, athletes' ratings were significantly higher.

Fisicoculturismo: diferencias de sexo en el estado de ánimo y la ansiedad precompetitiva

Abstract: This study sets out to analyse gender-related distinguishing aspects present during moments prior to a bodybuilding competition. A total of 92 competitive bodybuilders (52 men and 40 women) took part in the study. The average age of the participants was 29.16 years (SD = 5.61) and they had trained for an average of 8.03 years (SD = 4.79). During the pre-competition weigh-in of the participants, we measured their anxiety levels using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 questionnaire (CSAI-2) by Martens, Vealy and Burton (1990) and their mood using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) by McNair, Lorr and Droplemann (1971). In the results of the CSAI-2, women showed higher levels of self-confidence (t = 3.57, p = .001) and lower levels of somatic anxiety (t = 2.86, p = .005). There were no differences between men and women in cognitive anxiety scores (t =.430, p = .67). In the results of the POMS questionnaire, men obtained higher scores in the tension-anxiety (t = 2.74, p = .007), depression-dejection (t= 2.91, p = .005), anger-hostility (t = 3.23, p = .002), fatigue (t = 3.79, p < .001) and confusion subscales (t = 4.35, p < .001). However, women achieved higher scores in the vigour subscale (t = 3.68, p < .001). In the future, further studies with this population of athletes will be needed. In addition, seeming initial contradictions with results obtained by women from other disciplines must be addressed.

Predicting Precompetitive State Anxiety: Using the 2 × 2 Achievement Goal Framework:

Abstract: The goal was to examine the predictiveness of achievement goals for self-confidence, cognitive anxiety, and somatic anxiety using a prospective design. 160 high school athletes completed the 2 x 2 Achievement Goals Questionnaire for Sport after daily practice and the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 before an official competition. Using hierarchical regression analyses, mastery-approach goals were found as positive predictors of self-confidence and negative predictors of cognitive and somatic anxiety. In contrast, performance- and mastery-avoidance goals positively predicted cognitive and somatic anxiety. Also, performance-avoidance goals negatively predicted self-confidence. Generally, athletes who pursued task mastery and improvement of competence were less physically and cognitively anxious and more self-confident. However, athletes felt tense, worried, and had lower confidence when they endorsed avoidance forms of achievement goals.

Maternal anxiety and adolescent asthma: Children of twin design suggest familial effects

Abstract: Background Cross-sectional studies indicate that maternal anxiety is associated with asthma in the adolescent child, but mechanisms are unclear. Objective To investigate the association between maternal anxiety and maternal, self- and register-based report of asthma in the adolescent child, and analyse whether it is caused by family-wide, environmental and/ or genetic factors. Method From the Twin and Offspring Study of Sweden, 1691 mothers (1058 twins) and their adolescent child were included. The association between maternal self-reported anxiety and asthma based on subjective or objective measures were analysed using logistic regression. The children-of-twins design was used to explore whether genes or environment contribute to the association. Result Maternal anxiety (OR 2.02, CI 1.15-3.55) was significantly associated with adolescent asthma reported by the mother. Maternal somatic anxiety (OR 1.74, CI 1.04-2.91) and psychic anxiety (OR 1.74, CI 1.05-2.86) was significantly associated with breathlessness reported by the adolescent child. In contrast, maternal anxiety was not associated with increased risk for the register-based outcomes of asthma diagnosis or medication. The results remained also after adjusting for covariates and the children-of-twins analyses which indicate that the association was due to familial confounding. Conclusion We found associations between maternal anxiety and subjectively reported offspring asthma or breathlessness which may be due to familial effects. A likely candidate for explaining this familial confounding is heritable personality traits associated with both anxiety and subjective measures of asthma. Ref. Havland et al, In Press PLoS ONE 2013

The Observed Association between Maternal Anxiety and Adolescent Asthma: Children of Twin Design Suggest Familial Effects

Abstract: Background Previous studies indicate that maternal anxiety is associated with asthma in the adolescent child, but mechanisms are unclear. Objective To investigate the association between maternal anxiety and maternal, self- and register-based report of asthma in the adolescent child, and whether the association remains after control of familial confounding (shared environmental and genetic factors). Method From the Twin and Offspring Study of Sweden, 1691 mothers (1058 twins) and their adolescent child were included. The association between maternal self-reported anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) somatic or psychic anxiety) and asthma based on subjective (maternal or child report) or objective (register-based diagnosis and medication) measures were analysed using logistic regression. The children-of-twins design was used to explore whether genes or environment contribute to the association. Results Maternal BAI anxiety (OR 2.02, CI 1.15–3.55) was significantly associated with adolescent asthma reported by the mother. Maternal KSP somatic anxiety (OR 1.74, CI 1.04–2.91) and psychic anxiety (OR 1.74, CI 1.05–2.86) was significantly associated with breathlessness reported by the adolescent child. In contrast, maternal anxiety was not associated with increased risk for the register-based outcomes of asthma diagnosis or medication. The results remained also after adjusting for covariates and the children-of-twins analyses which indicate that the association was due to familial confounding. Conclusions We found some associations between maternal anxiety and subjectively reported offspring asthma or breathlessness which may be due to familial effects. A likely candidate for explaining this familial confounding is heritable personality traits associated with both anxiety and subjective measures of asthma.

Factors influencing competitive anxiety in Brazilian athletes Fatores influenciadores da ansiedade competitiva em atletas Brasileiros

Abstract: 3 Abstract - The study of factors influencing competitive anxiety, according to a multi- dimensional perspective and supported by valid instruments, is scarce among Brazilian athletes of different sports. The present study aims to: i) investigate the theoretical re- lationship between the different dimensions of the multidimensional theory of anxiety (i.e., cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence); and ii) investigate the effects of gender, type of sport (individual or collective) and competitive experience levels on cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence. A total of 303 athletes (233 males and 70 females), from different sports, aged between 18 and 40 years (M =24.22, SD = 5.07) completed a shortened version of CSAI-2 (i.e., CSAI-2R), about one hour before the start of competitions. Results revealed significant correlations between cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence dimensions, in accordance with the assumptions of the multidimensional theory. Additionally, comparative analyses indicated that female athletes and athletes from collective sports showed higher levels of cognitive anxiety, while male athletes and athletes with high competitive experience reported higher levels of self-confidence. These results were discussed taking into account the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for planning interventions of sport psychology in Brazil with athletes of different contexts.

The Relationship between Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety on Performance of Student-Athletes of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)

Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that student-athletes may experience greater levels of stress or anxiety due to the dual demands of athletics and academics placed on them. In today’s MASUM (Sport between Universities) competitive sports, a lot of pressure is placed on collegiate athletes to perform the excellence level. Sports psychologists have long believed that high levels of anxiety during competition are harmful, worsening performance and even leading to dropout. Anxiety consists of two subcomponents, cognitive and somatic anxiety, which influence performance. The cognitive is the mental component, which is characterized by negative expectations about success or self-evaluation, negative self-talk, worries about performance, images of failure, inability to concentrate, and disrupted attention. While, the somatic is the physiological element, which is related to autonomic arousals. The main purpose of this study was to examine the levels of anxiety of somatic and cognitive, before and during competition among student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). The instrument used for the study comprised of a 27-item Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2, which had been distributed during MASUM (Sport between Universities) competition to the student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). The sample consisted of 112 athletes, with national athletes (N=21), state athletes (N=33), district athletes (N=23), and university athletes (N= 35). The results showed that elite or national athletes exhibited lower levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety than non-elite athletes. The result also showed that the exits of negative correlation between cognitive anxiety and sport performance, and somatic anxiety and sport performance. Sport psychologists, sport counselors and coaches should use the present findings to recommend coping strategies to university and district level athletes that are appropriate for dealing with their athletes’ cognitive and somatic anxiety.

Trauma Exposure in Anxious Primary Care Patients

Abstract: The present study examined rates of trauma exposure, clinical characteristics associated with trauma exposure, and the effect of trauma exposure on treatment outcome in a large sample of primary care patients without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals without PTSD (N = 1,263) treated as part of the CALM program (Roy-Byrne et al., Journal of the American Medical Association 303(19)1921–1928, 2010) were assessed for presence of trauma exposure. Those with and without trauma exposure were compared on baseline demographic and diagnostic information, symptom severity, and responder status six months after beginning treatment. Trauma-exposed individuals (N = 662, 53 %) were more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and had higher levels of somatic symptoms at baseline. Individuals with and without trauma exposure did not differ significantly on severity of anxiety, depression, or mental health functioning at baseline. Trauma exposure did not significantly impact treatment response. Findings suggest that adverse effects of trauma exposure in those without PTSD may include OCD and somatic anxiety symptoms. Treatment did not appear to be adversely impacted by trauma exposure. Thus, although trauma exposure is prevalent in primary care samples, results suggest that treatment of the presenting anxiety disorder is effective irrespective of trauma history.

Pre-competitive anxiety in soccer players

Abstract: 72 senior soccer players filled out a CSAI-2 questionnaire for assessing somatic and cognitive anxiety level and direction, as well as self-confidence, immediately before the match. The first group was made up of soccer players (N=36) who played a first league match, and the second group was made up of soccer players (N=36) who played a second league match. Variance analysis did not show any statistically important differences in the somatic anxiety component between soccer players of different levels of competition. First league soccer players had a statistically higher level of cognitive anxiety, while second league soccer players had a significantly higher level of self-confidence. The results of direction of somatic and cognitive anxiety, as well as self-confidence, significantly differ between the soccer players of different levels of competition. It is obvious that the uncertainty of a match result influences the rise of somatic and cognitive anxiety level, although it is not necessarily reflected negatively on the players` success and concentration. Further research should follow state anxiety in more than one instance, i.e., matches during the whole competition season.

Competitive state anxiety and performance among Malaysian athletes from the view of multidimensional anxiety theory / Vincent A. Parnabas, Yahaya Mahamood and Kwame Ampofo-Boateng

Abstract: The Multidimensional Anxiety theory examines the relationship between anxiety and performance. It is the first theory that explains that both cognitive and somatic components play an important role on performance. Cognitive anxiety is the mental component of anxiety and somatic anxiety refers to a person’s perceived changes in her or his physiological. The theory hypothesizes a powerful negative linear relationship between cognitive state anxiety and performance and a less powerful, inverted U relationship between somatic anxiety and performance. The theory states that the increases of cognitive and somatic anxiety will deteriorate an athlete’s performance. However, previous research had showed inconsistent results. Therefore, this research examines the effect of cognitive and somatic anxiety on performance among Malaysian athletes. The sample consisted of 902 athletes, consisting of national (N=53), state (N=395), district (N=120), university (N=211), and school athletes (N= 123). The sample was drawn from among athletes who competed in three big sport events of Malaysia, MASUM (Universities Sports Competition), MSSM (Schools Sport Competition) and Sukan Olimpik Muda (Young Olympic Athletes Competition).The instrument used for the study comprised of a 27-item Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2, consisting of cognitive and somatic component. The result has received support from the Multidimensional Anxiety theory, that the increased level of cognitive and somatic anxiety deteriorated athletes’ performance. Coaches, sport psychologists and counsellors can use this research to reduce the cognitive and somatic anxiety to increase athletes’ performance.

Autoeficacia general, ansiedad precompetitiva y sensación de fluir en jugadores (as) de balonmano de la selección nacional de costa rica

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the relationship between self-efficacy, pre-competitive anxiety and flow feeling in male and female handball team players from the Costa Rica national teams. Participants were 28 players (14 male and 14 female) from both teams. The scales of general self-efficacy, flow feeling and competitive anxiety were used to collect data. The average score in relation to self-efficacy was high (> 8.40). Regarding flow sensation, the average scores were range from 3.41 (autotelic experience) to 5,78 (control sense). Somatic anxiety was the lowest in men = 1.59 and women female = 1.98, and self-confidence was the highest score in men = 2.99 and women = 2.70 respectively. No significant changes were observed throughout the game in relation to the flow feeling. The anxiety reported by men was significantly lower than women, and the self-confidence levels were higher in men than in women. No significant correlation was found between self efficacy and sense of flow. Somatic anxiety showed significant correlations with some dimensions of the flow feeling. In conclusion, these data showed that there is a need to incorporate psychological interventions to ensure that athletes can reach optimal psychophysical states in order to perform better.

Comparative Analysis of Competitive State Anxiety among Elite and Non-Elite karate Athletes in Iran

Abstract: The present study aims to compare the competitive state anxiety among elite and non- elite karate athletes in Iran. The sample consisted of 40 Karate male athletes in two groups. The first group consisted of 20 elite Karate players who participated in competitions of super leagues of Iran Karate in 2012 year. The second group consisted of 20 non-elite Karate athletes. All participants in this study were regularly competing at the super leagues and regional level. The research instrument employed was the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). This inventory distributed among subjects about 30 minutes before the first competition. Test subjects were required to express their feelings at the moment without giving it much time. Finally, using one way ANOVA data was analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences between the levels of somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self confidence among elite and non-elite karate athletes in Iran (P <0.05).

A Comparison o f the Pre - Competition and Post - Competition Anxiety Levels of Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract: A total of 468 taekwondo athletes, 231 females and 237 males, in the adult category, who had participated in the 2012 Turkish Taekwondo Championship; with an average age of 20.91 years (Sd=3.66) participated in the present research for the comparison of the pre-competition and post-competition anxiety levels of taekwondo athletes. The research was conducted using the survey technique of data collection and the competitive state anxiety inventory-2 (CSAI-2) (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump and Smith 1982) and it was used in the present research to measure the anxiety levels of the sportspeople. The Turkish implementation of the inventory was performed by Koruc (1998). Statistically significant difference cannot be found between the inventory scores of females and males who participated in the research according to their genders (P>0.05). Whether there was a significant difference between the inventory scores of sportspeople according to their ages was tested by one-way analysis of variance, and a statistically significant difference was found between the self-assessment scores of the taekwondo athletes measured 1 day before according to their ages (P 0.05). Consequently, it was observed that the cognitive and somatic anxiety scores of taekwondo athletes increased and their self-confidence scores decreased as the competition drew closer. After the competition, it was detected that the cognitive and somatic anxiety scores decreased and self-confidence scores increased. The anxiety levels of the taekwondo athletes increased just before the competition, but a decrease in anxiety was observed after the competition. Pre-competition and post-competition anxiety levels were found to have an effect on the success of the athletes. All in all, it was observed that the state anxiety measured by CSAI-2 showed pre-competition and post-competition changes and there was a change in anxiety cognition. [Behrouz Ghorbanzadeh,Perican Bayar. A Comparison of the Pre-Competition and Post-Competition Anxiety Levels of Taekwondo Athletes, Life Sci J 2013;10(2):5-10] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 2