Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the cognitive behavioral theory of panic attacks, and to examine the relationships among panic attacks and the variables of anger, anxiety, depression, interpersonal distrust, awareness of, and the ability to accurately interpret internal sensations, feelings of helplessness, and irrational beliefs. One hundred sixty-seven psychology students were assessed on a test battery that measured the above trait variables. The test battery also contained a questionnaire that assessed the frequency, and symptoms of panic attacks. Thirty-five percent of the sample experienced at least one panic attack in the previous year. Frequent panickers had significantly higher scores than non-panickers on all the above variables. It was concluded that the results of the present study supported the current cognitive-behavioral theory of panic attacks. The findings are discussed in light of previous research using these variables. The results with irrational beliefs are also discussed, in terms of their influence on panic attacks, and the implications for cognitive behavioral treatments of panic. Finally, a variety of possible improvements to the present study, and suggestions for future research are advanced.