State and trait anxiety revisited.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychological theory
• Anxiety research

Background:

• State and trait anxiety theory and assessment are reviewed.
• The interplay between individual disposition (trait anxiety) and situational context in influencing emotional states (state anxiety) is examined.
• The multidimensional interaction model of anxiety is explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review state and trait anxiety theory and assessment.
• To discuss the congruence between trait anxiety facets and stressful situations.
• To explore the dimensional versus categorical conceptualization of anxiety.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on state and trait anxiety.
• Presentation of empirical research findings.
• Discussion of conceptualizations of anxiety.

Main Results:

• Both person factors (trait anxiety) and situational factors are critical for determining state anxiety levels.
• Congruence between specific trait anxiety facets and stressful situations is necessary to elicit heightened state anxiety.
• Empirical evidence supports the multidimensional interaction model.

Conclusions:

• Anxiety should be conceptualized as a dimensional construct.
• The multidimensionality of both state and trait anxiety is essential for comprehensive theory and assessment.
• Misconceptions regarding the multidimensionality of trait anxiety warrant clarification.