WORRY VERSUS ANXIETY - IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE

The similarities and distinctions between the constructs of worry and anxiety were examined in a sample of 189 university students. Three wo rry scales and four measures of anxiety were compared in relation to m easures of negative affect, personal control, and problem-solving styl e. Although measures of worry and anxiety were highly correlated, nega tive affect (e.g., depression, confusion) tended to be more closely re lated to anxiety than to worry, whereas problem-solving style tended t o be more closely related to worry than to anxiety. Personal control d id not show a differential relationship to anxiety or worry. When the definition of anxiety was restricted to somatic anxiety, however, nega tive affect, perceived problem-solving abilities, and personal control were more strongly related to worry than to anxiety. Implications of these results are discussed in light of current definitions and measur ement of these constructs.