The role of anxiety sensitivity in terms of asthma control: a pilot test among young adult asthmatics.

The aim of the present pilot investigation was to examine the role of specific subfactors of anxiety sensitivity (physical, cognitive, and social concerns) in terms of asthma control among a young adult sample (N = 56; M age = 20.0; SD = 3.9; Range = 18-45 years). Results indicated that, after controlling for gender, cigarette smoking status, and negative affectivity, the physical concerns factor of anxiety sensitivity, relative to cognitive and social concern factors, significantly predicted asthma control. These findings support the theory that fear of physical sensations is associated with poorer asthma control and suggest that targeting the physical concerns facet of anxiety sensitivity may be a novel way to improve asthma control.