Panic!: Anxiety sensitivity, perceived stress, and social support as predictors of uncued panic attacks in college students

Abstract

Uncued panic attacks are prevalent in the college student population. In the
current study, anxiety sensitivity, perceived stress, and social support were explored as
predictors of uncued panic frequency. Additionally, family support and close friend
support were compared. A sample of 117 college students from Eastern Illinois
University were assessed using an online survey that included a one-item uncued panic
frequency measure, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Perceived Stress Scale
(PSS), and the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale-College Version (College
CASSS). Results indicated that all three predictors were significant when tested
independently. When placed in a hierarchical regression, anxiety sensitivity was
significant, perceived stress added a significant contribution, but social support did not
add significant predictive value. Close friend support was found to be more predictive of
uncued panic than family support, which was not found to be significant. Implications for
psychotherapy suggest that clinicians can implement interventions that decrease anxiety
sensitivity and perceived stress, while increasing social support especially focusing on
close friend support.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Amy Brausch (Supervisor)