Background. Previous studies of the dimensional structure of panic attack symptoms have mostly identified a respiratory and a vestibular/mixed somatic dimension. Evidence for additional dimensions such as a cardiac dimension and the allocation of several of the panic attack symptom criteria is less consistent. Clarifying the dimensional structure of the panic attack symptoms should help to specify the relationship of potential risk factors like anxiety sensitivity and fear of suffocation to the experience of panic attacks and the development of panic disorder. Method. In an outpatient multicentre study 350 panic patients with agoraphobia rated the intensity of each of the ten DSM-IV bodily symptoms during a typical panic attack. The factor structure of these data was investigated with nonlinear confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The identified bodily symptom dimensions were related to panic cognitions, anxiety sensitivity and fear of suffocation by means of nonlinear structural equation modelling (SEM). Results. CFA indicated a respiratory, a vestibular/mixed somatic and a cardiac dimension of the bodily symptom criteria. These three factors were differentially associated with specific panic cognitions, different anxiety sensitivity facets and suffocation fear. Conclusions. Taking into account the dimensional structure of panic attack symptoms may help to increase the specificity of the associations between the experience of panic attack symptoms and various panic related constructs.

Les amis peuvent compter l'un sur l'autre lorsqu'ils sont confrontés à des problèmes, mais certaines discussions peuvent conduire à la co-rumination. La co-rumination apparaît tôt dans la vie et a été associée à diverses formes de symptômes anxieux et/ou à des désordres cliniques d’anxiété. Toutefois, peu d’études ont exploré l'association entre la co-rumination et les formes d'anxiété normative incluant l'anxiété d'état, de trait, de performance et la sensibilité à l'anxiété. Ce mémoire examine la relation entre la co-rumination et ces formes d'anxiété normative en tenant compte du sexe et de l'âge. Au total, 1204 enfants (âgés de 11 à 12 ans) et adolescents (âgés de 16 à 17 ans) ont été recrutés dans des écoles primaires et secondaires du Québec. Ils ont rempli des questionnaires mesurant la co-rumination et les quatre formes d'anxiété normative dans leurs classes. Les résultats ont révélé que la co-rumination était associée à une seule forme d'anxiété normative (sensibilité à l'anxiété) chez les enfants et à trois formes (trait, performance et sensibilité à l'anxiété) chez les adolescents. Ainsi, la co-rumination semble associée différemment à certaines formes d'anxiété normative en raison de facteurs développementaux. De futures études confirmatoires et longitudinales devraient examiner les hypothèses générées par les résultats de cette étude exploratoire. Au-delà des implications discutées dans l'article, ce mémoire présente des pistes de recherche potentielles et des considérations pour de futures études portant sur la relation entre la co-rumination et les différentes formes d'anxiété normative. / Friends can rely on each other when faced with problems, though these discussions may lead to co-rumination. Co-rumination occurs early in life and has been associated with various forms of anxiety symptoms and/or clinical anxiety disorders. However, a scarcity of literature has explored the association between co-rumination and forms of normative anxiety, including state anxiety, trait anxiety, test anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity. This thesis examined the relationship between co-rumination and these forms of normative anxiety while considering sex and age. In total, 1204 children (ages 11 to 12) and adolescents (ages 16 to 17) were recruited from elementary and high schools in Quebec. Participants completed questionnaires measuring co-rumination and the four forms of normative anxiety in their classrooms. The results revealed that co-rumination was associated with one form of normative anxiety (anxiety sensitivity) in children and three forms (trait anxiety, test anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity) in adolescents. Thus, co-rumination may be differentially associated with various forms of normative anxiety due to certain developmental factors. Future longitudinal confirmatory studies should test the hypotheses generated from the findings of this exploratory study. Beyond the implications discussed in the article, this thesis features potential research avenues and considerations for future studies investigating the relationship between co-rumination and different forms of normative anxiety.

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Cloninger’s Psychobiological Theory of Personality proposes four temperament dimensions, each underpinned by a different neurotransmitter system. The serotonergic system is purportedly linked to Harm Avoidance (HA). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between HA and serotonin in migraine without aura (MO). A second aim was to explore the personality profile of MO patients. Sixty-six participants completed an online questionnaire and donated blood samples. Results indicated no significant association between HA and serotonin and a significant relationship between MO and HA. This study indicates that both Cloninger’s Psychobiological Theory of Personality and the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire used for its assessment have value in South African personality research. In addition, the findings of the study reveal support for personality influences on the processes involved in migraine. This not only produces worthwhile avenues of research but also an alternative perspective for clinical practice. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology (Research Consultation))