Abstract

The present study investigated the existence of a mediating effect of emotion dysregulation in the relationship among anxiety sensitivity, behavioral inhibition, and worry. A total of 332 college students completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Behavioral Inhibition Scale, Emotion Dysregulation Scale, and Worry Scale. The results indicate that the relationship between temperamental factors (anxiety sensitivity, behavioral inhibition) and worry was partially mediated by an emotional factor (emotion dysregulation). However, the path coefficients were different for male and female groups. On the one hand, the path from anxiety sensitivity to emotion dysregulation was not significant in the male group. On the other hand, the path from behavioral inhibition to emotion dysregulation was not significant in the female group. This study indicates that the relation between temperamental vulnerabilities and worry was mediated by emotion dysregulation; however, there was a gender difference in the pathway. Finally, implications, limitations, and some suggestions for future studies were discussed.