Anxiety, Mood, and Health Behaviors in Young Adults

The Relationship Between Anxiety, Mood, and Health Behaviors in Young Adults

This is a randomized control trial to test the effect of an anxiety sensitivity intervention on health behaviors among 18-35 year-olds.

This is a 2-arm randomized control trial to test the effect of an anxiety sensitivity intervention on health behaviors among 18-35 year-olds. Participants will be 18-35 year-olds with high anxiety sensitivity randomized to 1)Exercise Exposure Intervention or 2)Assessment Only Control Condition. Participants in both groups will be followed for 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-35
• Elevated anxiety sensitivity (ASI-3 score >=23)
• Able to safely participate in moderate-intensity physical activity as assessed by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q), which will be administered during screening

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current aerobic exercise routine - Measured using the L-CAT with an established cut point of >2 (assessed at screening)
• Receiving ongoing psychotherapy or counseling (Self-report at screening)
• Recent change in psychotropic medication for anxiety (Self-report at screening)
• Psychiatric hospitalization in past 6 months (Self-report at screening)
• Current pregnancy (Self-report at screening)