Cognitive and emotional vulnerability to panic disorder: presenting an integrative model

Most theoretical models of panic disorder focus on cognitive vulnerability factors such as neuroticism, perceived control, and anxiety sensitivity, without directly considering the roles of emotion management and coping processes in the development of this disorder. We investigated whether the relationships between neuroticism and the panic disorder symptomatology, is mediated by trait emotional intelligence, emotion regulation, and coping strategies. Participants with self-reported panic disorder (n = 326) completed a series of online questionnaires. We used structural equation modeling to examine the mediating roles of trait emotional intelligence, coping and emotion regulation strategies, in linking neuroticism with panic disorder symptomatology. The results showed that perceived control, trait emotional intelligence, and the use of maladaptive forms of coping and emotion regulation strategies, but not cognitive reappraisal, fully mediated the association between neuroticism and the severity of panic disorder. Intervention strategies should focus on improving perceived control, trait emotional intelligence, and reducing engagement in maladaptive forms of coping and emotion regulation strategies.