Is anxiety sensitivity a risk factor for, or complication of, alcohol misuse? A meta-analysis

Publication date: 1 December 2018Source: Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 135Author(s): Sara J. Bartel, Simon B. Sherry, Martin M. Smith, Vanja V. Vidovic, Sherry H. StewartAbstractAnxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to a dispositional tendency to respond to one's anxiety sensations with fear. Longstanding theoretical accounts implicate AS in alcohol misuse; however, the relationship between AS and alcohol misuse remains unclear. We addressed this by testing whether AS is a risk factor for, and/or complication of, alcohol misuse by conducting a rigorous meta-analysis using random effect models. Our literature search yielded 15 studies (N = 9459). Studies were included if they used a longitudinal design, assessed AS and alcohol misuse at baseline, and assessed alcohol misuse and/or AS at follow-up. Results failed to support AS as a risk factor for, or complication of, alcohol misuse. Researchers are encouraged to test if the link between AS and alcohol misuse emerges under specific conditions (e.g., elevated state anxiety).
Source: Personality and Individual Differences - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research