This stimulating resource presents the Looming Vulnerability Model, a
nuanced take on the cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of anxiety,
worry, and other responses to real or imagined threat. The core feature
of the model-the perception of growing, rapidly approaching threat-is
traced to humans' evolutionary past, and this dysfunctional perception
is described as it affects cognitive processing, executive functioning,
emotions, physiology, and behavior. The LVM framework allows for more
subtle understanding of mechanisms of and risk factors for the range of
anxiety disorders as well as for more elusive subclinical forms of
anxiety, worry, and fear. In addition, the authors ably demonstrate how
the LVM can inform and refine cognitive-behavioral and other approaches
to conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of these often disabling
conditions.
This important volume:
- Introduces the Looming Vulnerability Model in its evolutionary,
developmental, cognitive, and ecological contexts.
- Unites diverse theoretical strands regarding anxiety, fear, and worry
including work on wildlife behavior, experimental cognition and
perception, neuroimaging, and emotion.
- Defines the looming cognitive style as a core aspect of
vulnerability.
- Describes the measurement of the looming cognitive style, Looming
Maladaptive Style Questionnaire, and measures of looming vulnerability
for specific disorders.
- Details diverse clinical applications of the LVM across the anxiety
disorders.
Spotlighting phenomena particularly relevant to current times, Looming
Vulnerability, brings a wealth of important new ideas to researchers
studying anxiety disorders and practitioners seeking more avenues for
treating anxiety in their patients.
