Anxiety sensitivity is defined as a trait tendency to experience a fear of
anxiety-related sensations. Although closely associated with panic disorder
, recent research suggests that anxiety sensitivity is related to a wider r
ange of pathological conditions. Indeed, it has been noted that anxiety sen
sitivity may play a role in mediating negative experiences and sensations a
ssociated with pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the effe
ct of anxiety sensitivity on reported negative sensations to experimentally
induced pain. Measures of pain threshold and tolerance were taken, as were
self-report measures of affective and sensory experiences. Because differe
nces between males and females have been found with both anxiety sensitivit
y and pain experience, gender differences were also investigated. As expect
ed, gender was found to moderate pain experiences. Females had a lower pain
threshold and were less tolerant to pain than males. Gender differences we
re also found to be associated with sensory pain. However, this effect was
dependent on levels of anxiety sensitivity. High anxiety sensitive females
reported greater sensory pain than low anxiety sensitive females. No effect
of anxiety sensitivity on sensory pain was found among males. These result
s are discussed in light of current models of anxiety sensitivity.