ABSTRACT

Objective:

The relationship between dissociation and anxiety is well known. However, anxiety is not an unique construct and the data about the impact of different anxiety dimensions on dissociative symptoms is limited. The present study aimed to examine the effects of state-trait anxiety and anxiety sensitivity on dissociative symptoms in adolescents with anxiety disorders.

Method:

The sample consisted of 54 adolescents (29 girls and 25 boys) diagnosed with anxiety disorders between 12-18 years aof age. All subjects included in the study filled out the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (A-DES), Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventories for Children (STAI-C).

Results:

According to correlation analyses, the A-DES scores were positively related to STAI-C State, STAI-C Trait, CASI Total, CASI Physical and CASI Cognitive scores. However, in the multipl regression analyses, only the STAI-C State score was found to be the signifi cant predictor for A-DES total scores.

Discussion:

The present study showed that only state anxiety is a predictor for the dissociative symptoms in adolescents, not trait anxiety or anxiety sensitivity. This data suggests that, regarding the relationship between dissociative symptoms and anxiety in adolescence, anxiety level of the subjects in a given period would be much more important than the given individual’s structural predisposition to anxiety.