Effects of Self-Other Distinctions on Attributes of Anxiety Symptoms

This research aims to investigate the impact of positivity bias on perceptions and attributes given to Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia (PD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). To evaluate these perceptions and attributes, the study uses a self made measure, the Self Regulation Model Questionnaire which aims to assess the five components of Leventhal\u27s illness representation–identity, timeline, consequence, cause, and cure/control. Participants were presented vignettes that describe symptoms of PD or GAD and asked to complete the questionnaire when thinking of themselves and while thinking of an unknown other. Initial analyses found that three variables Self Acceptance, Other Acceptance, and Other Cause Environment, significantly differed based on disorder. Analyses demonstrated a significant self-other effect for Timeline, Planning, Substance Use, and Behavior Disengagement. Finally, symptom duration had a significant impact on the following variables: Self Identity, Other Identity, Self Timeline, Other Timeline, Self Consequence, Other Cause Genetics, Self Cause Environment, Other Cause Environment, Self Venting, and Other Venting. Results were unable to support the influence of participant anxiety levels or duration on self-other effects