Citation

Szabó M, Lovibond PF. Anxiety Stress Coping 2006; 19(2): 175-187.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10615800600643562

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Thirty-nine university students monitored their naturally occurring worry episodes for 7 days. They rated each episode in terms of six cognitive content categories, labeled Negative Outcome Anticipation, Problem-Solving Process, Solution Selection, Self-Blame, Rumination, and Palliative Thoughts. The results reinforced previous findings that a large proportion of the self-reported cognitive content of worry reflects problem-solving attempts, and that these attempts can sometimes lead to a selection of subjectively satisfying solutions. Solution Selection was also reported as a frequently used worry termination strategy. Individuals who rated their worry episodes as more uncontrollable reported fewer instances of solution selection and engaged in more negative solution evaluation while worrying. They were also more likely to keep worrying until they became distracted by an external event. Collectively, the data support the notion that normal worry involves problem-solving attempts and suggest that difficulties at the solution evaluation and solution selection stages may be important mechanisms underlying excessive worry.