A Brief Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Reducing
Anxiety Sensitivity in a Nonclinical Sample
The objectives of the present study are twofold. The primary objective is to test the
efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioural intervention on first-year university students'
affective and academic performance. The present study will attempt to replicate the
findings of other studies1 which examined the efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioural
group treatment for panic disorder, and to extend the findings of a recent
pilot study that suggest the efficacy of the proposed intervention in reducing anxiety
sensitivity levels in a non-clinical sample. Anxiety sensitivity refers to a fear of anxietyrelated somatic sensations. Theoretically, high anxiety sensitivity elevates an individual's
risk for anxious and dysphoric affect, and may impede their social and academic
performance. Indeed, anxiety sensitivity has been implicated in the development of
anxiety disorders (e.g., panic, generalized anxiety and social anxiety disorders), as well as
other disorders such as hypochondriasis, depression and substance abuse. Research has
shown that anxiety sensitivity levels can be lowered when panic disordered patients are
successfully treated by
cognitive-behavioural therapy. Only two studies have examined the efficacy of this
therapeutic approach with high anxiety sensitivity in non-clinical samples. Recent pilot
data suggest the efficacy of the
proposed intervention in reducing both anxiety sensitivity levels and alcohol consumption
in first-year university students. Being able to reduce levels of anxiety sensitivity and
maintain that reduction over
time could represent an important first step in the development of an anxiety prevention
program.
A second objective of the present study is to develop a manual to be used in the delivery
of this group-format intervention. Pilot project funding by the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (CIHR) provided the opportunity to test the intervention and to lay the
groundwork for such a manual. It is hoped that the proposed study will be able to bring
that work to fruition.