Anxiety, Self-Preoccupation and Attention

Abstract

Cognitive, behavioral and physiological factors play important roles in anxiety. While there is general agreement about the need to incorporate these factors in any comprehensive anxiety construct, there are differences among existing theories in the emphasis given to each of them. In this article, I describe a cognitive view of anxiety that focuses on the role self-preoccupation plays in behavioral and physiological outcomes. Acording to this view, how well people perform, how anxious they feel in particular situations, and their levels of physiological activation are powerfully influenced by self-:elated thoughts. Self-related thoughts are significant influences over behavior because they direct attention in idiosyncratic ways. This article discusses the role these thoughts play in adaptation and maladaptation.