Volume 28, Issue 2
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2018.1088
PAMTA worry model (perception of future threat, activation, motivation, thought & action): functional and pathological worry
Abstract
In the present paper worry is considered to be an adaptive mechanism evolved from fear, whose purpose is to decrease the likelihood of future threats or, in the event of their occurring, to mitigate their adverse effects. Different arguments are provided in favor of this new approach versus the traditional conceptualization of worry as a simple mechanism to solve problems. The function of fear is reviewed and compared with the function of worry. Subsequently, a four-phase model of worry is proposed in order to identify the adaptive functions and possible dysfunctions that may appear in each of the phases. Finally, the utility of the new model is discussed, highlighting the benefits as they apply to both clinical and research environments.
Keywords
Worry model, evolutionary perspective, functional worry, pathological worry