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Gender differences in dimensions of anxiety sensitivity
S H Stewart1, S Taylor, J M Baker
1Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. ssteward@is.dal.ca
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is the fear of anxiety-related sensations. This study found gender differences in AS, with females fearing physical consequences more and males fearing psychological and social consequences more, aligning with sex-role socialization.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety sensitivity (AS) involves fearing negative consequences of anxiety sensations.
- The Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) measures AS.
- Origins of AS are unclear, but social learning may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in the factor structure of the ASI.
- To examine gender variations in ASI factor score patterns.
- To explore the hierarchical structure of AS.
Main Methods:
- 818 university students (290 males, 528 females) completed the ASI.
- Principal components analyses were used to examine factor structures.
- Gender x AS dimension analyses were conducted on factor scores.
Main Results:
- Nearly identical three-factor structures (physical, psychological, social) were found for males and females.
- Females scored higher on physical concerns; males scored higher on psychological and social concerns.
- Females scored higher on the global AS construct than males.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the distinctness of AS dimensions and the hierarchical structure of the ASI.
- Gender differences in AS dimensions align with sex-role socialization.
- Findings contribute to understanding the etiology of anxiety sensitivity.