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Autonomy deficits as vulnerability for anxiety: evidence from two laboratory-based studies
L E Kunst1, J Maas1,2, M A L M Van Assen3,4
1a Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology , Tilburg University , Tilburg , Netherlands.
Anxiety, Stress, and Coping
|February 20, 2019
Summary
Autonomy deficits, linked to self-governance and connection with others, predict anxiety responses. Specific autonomy components relate to anxiety in different situations, suggesting deficits are a vulnerability factor for anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autonomous individuals possess self-governance and are aware of their needs, while remaining connected and sensitive to others.
- Previous research indicates a consistent link between deficits in autonomy-connectedness and anxiety.
- This study investigates whether deficits in autonomy predict anxious responses to acute stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between autonomy deficits and anxiety.
- To determine if specific components of autonomy predict anxiety in different contexts.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: 177 participants viewed an anxiety-inducing film and reported anxiety levels.
- Study 2: 100 participants were assigned to either an impromptu speech task or a control condition, with anxiety measured at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- In Study 1, higher anxiety was associated with greater sensitivity to others.
- In Study 2, higher anxiety during presentation preparation was linked to lower self-awareness.
Conclusions:
- Specific components of autonomy-connectedness (sensitivity to others, self-awareness) are differentially related to anxiety in various situations.
- Deficits in autonomy-connectedness may represent a vulnerability factor for developing anxiety.
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