Citation

Schoenberger NE, Kirsch I, Rosengard C. Anxiety Research 1991; 4(1): 1-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08917779108248760

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The predictions of four cognitive theories of fear and avoidance behavior were evaluated (Bandura, 1977, 1988; Beck, 1976; Beck Beck Kirsch, 1985, 1990; Reiss Reiss, Peterson & Gursky, 1987). Ninety-four snake fearful subjects completed measures of danger expectancy, danger sensitivity, anxiety expectancy, anxiety sensitivity, fear tolerance, and self-efficacy. Half of the subjects received a motivational incentive to increase their performance. They were then asked to attempt tasks on a snake approach hierarchy and to rate the amount of fear they experienced during each step. The incentive significantly increased self-efficacy and approach behavior but did not alter anxiety expectancy or self-reported fear. A path analysis indicated that behavior was influenced by self-efficacy and fear tolerance, and fear was predicted by anxiety expectancy. Self-efficacy was predicted by anxiety expectancy and fear tolerance, and anxiety expectancy was predicted by danger expectancy. These data are interpreted as support for Kirsch's 1990 model of the relation between self-efficacy and anxiety expectancy as determinants of fear and avoidance.