Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Panic (Clark, 1986)
The Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Panic identifies catastrophic misinterpretation of body sensations as a criticial maintenance factor which serves to exacerbate and prolong panic.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
This worksheet presents Clark's (1986) cognitive behavioral model of panic. The expanded model identifies the critical mechanisms of panic which include: catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations (which lead to a feeling of anxiety and exacerbation of bodily symptoms) and safety-seeking behaviors (which prevent disconfirmation of threat beliefs).
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout – use as a psychoeducation resource
- Discussion point – use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
- Therapist learning tool – improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
- Teaching resource – use as a learning tool during training
References And Further Reading
- Clark D. M. (1986). A cognitive approach to panic. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 24:461–470.
- Salkovskis, P. M., Clark, D. M., & Gelder, M. G. (1996). Cognition-behaviour links in the persistence of panic. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34(5-6), 453-458.