Contribution of Social Problem-Solving to the Prediction of Trait and Pathological Worry in a Sample of the General Population

Background: There is conceptual confusion between trait and pathological worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Of particular interest is the contribution that social problem-solving strategies may make to both constructs. Methods: The aim of this study was to analyze the differential role of social problem-solving strategies in trait and pathological worry. Participants were 331 adults from the general population (Mean age = 31.6, SD= 12.2), of whom 56.2% were female. Results: The results showed that neuroticism (N), negative problem orientation (NPO), and avoidant style were related to both trait and pathological worry, whereas rational problem-solving style was related only to trait worry. The single predictor shared by trait and pathological worry, after controlling for N and gender, was NPO, while higher rational style and positive problem orientation, as well as lower avoidant style, were specific predictors of trait worry. Conclusions: The results are discussed with regard to the differences between trait and pathological worry, along with their implications for the application of cognitive-behavioral interventions.