Perceived functions of worry among generalized anxiety disorder subjects: distraction from more emotionally distressing topics?

Theories regarding worry have discussed both adaptive and maladaptive functions. The present study used rating scales of the six reasons for worry commonly reported by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) clients to explore subjective perceptions of the functions of worry held by college student worriers meeting self-reported criteria for GAD and by control subjects. Subjects rated motivation, preparation for the worst, and avoidance/prevention of negative outcomes as the most typical reasons for their worry. However, the GAD group was discriminated from other comparison groups particularly by high ratings of "distraction from more emotional topics" as a reason for their worry.