Anxiety sensitivity sub-facets and pain intensity and disability among individuals seeking treatment for weight-related behaviors

Obesity in the United States is highly prevalent and often comorbid with other burdensome and debilitating conditions, such as chronic pain. To better address pain in the context of obesity, it is important to consider vulnerability factors associated with pain experiences. Anxiety sensitivity (i.e., fears of the potentially harmful consequences of anxiety-related symptoms) is an actionable transdiagnostic vulnerability factor robustly linked to pain. However, the unique role of specific sub-facets of anxiety sensitivity on pain-related outcomes such as pain intensity and disability have not been examined among individuals with weight-related concerns (e.g., obesity). The current study sought to explore the unique role of anxiety sensitivity sub-facets (i.e., physical, cognitive, and social concerns) with pain intensity and disability. Participants included 158 adults (61.8% female, M_age = 31.6, SD = 10.68) who completed a baseline assessment for a larger randomized controlled trial for stress and weight-related behaviors (e.g., emotional eating). Results indicated that higher anxiety sensitivity physical concerns was associated with increased pain intensity and disability, whereas higher anxiety sensitivity social concerns was associated with lower pain intensity and disability. The present findings suggest the potential clinical utility of targeting anxiety sensitivity physical concerns in pain management among individuals with weight-related concerns.