Fears of phobic patients: Factor analyses of self-report data

https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(78)90084-0Get rights and content

Abstract

Fear questionnaires completed by 171 phobic patients were factor-analysed. Factors previously identified in student and non-phobic patients were replicated, and in addition an agoraphobia factor was found. Separate analyses of (i) a group of psychiatrically diagnosed agoraphobics and (ii) a group of miscellaneous phobics revealed that agoraphobics are generally more fearful and depressed than other phobics, and score more highly on a cluster of items which include ‘breathing difficulties’ and ‘dizziness’. A distinct agoraphobia factor was not identifiable in the group of miscellaneous phobics, pointing to the all-or-none nature of this fear.

References (9)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (71)

  • Stress research during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

    2021, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
    Citation Excerpt :

    Moccia et al. (2020), for example, reviewed different tools contributing to so-called tele-neurology which is focused on neurological examination of patients suffering from MS by means of video-based or digital technology in general. Studies conducted at home might also be helpful when recruiting participants who fear or lack the drive to leave their homes due to severe forms of depression or anxiety disorders (Cox et al., 2003; Hallam and Hafner, 1978; Kim et al., 2019; Loken et al., 2014; Ravesloot et al., 2016). Importantly, the latter aspect is especially relevant in the COVID-19 pandemic as stay-at-home practices seem to affect prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders (Benke et al., 2020; Kumari and Mahla, 2021; Tang et al., 2020).

  • Treatment outcome of female agoraphobics 3-9 years after exposure in vivo: A comparison with healthy controls

    2008, Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
    Citation Excerpt :

    FU period differed from 3 to 9 years (Mean 6 years, SD 2). A total of 42 female controls were recruited from a sample of 477 healthy subjects (Baethge, 1994), who were given the same agoraphobia self-rating scales (Fear Survey Schedule, Hallam & Hafner, 1978). They were matched with the patients according to age, marital and occupational status.

View all citing articles on Scopus
View full text