Conceptualization of anxiety

Anxiety is a universal and complex human emotion that manifests as an anticipatory response to a future threat or danger, whether real or perceived.

Although often experienced as unpleasant, anxiety, at moderate levels, serves an important adaptive function.

Definition and Key Characteristics

Anxiety is defined as an emotional state characterized by feelings of tension, apprehension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure.

It is a warning signal that prepares the body to face possible challenges or threats, activating resources for action.

Unlike fear, which is a response to an immediate and specific danger, anxiety is usually more diffuse and future-oriented, related to the anticipation of negative events or uncertainty.

The main characteristics include a feeling of restlessness, nervousness, and a persistent worry about what might happen.

Anxiety as a Subjective Experience

The experience of anxiety is highly subjective and varies considerably between individuals.

What may be a mildly worrying stimulus for one person may trigger an intense anxiety response for another.

This variability depends on factors such as personality, previous experiences, coping mechanisms, and cognitive interpretation of the situation.

It is important to recognize that feeling anxiety is not inherently negative; it is a normal emotion.

It becomes a problem when its intensity, frequency, or duration is disproportionate to the actual situation, or when it significantly interferes with a person's daily functioning and well-being.