Anxiety
Anxiety is a negatively colored emotion that reflects a sense of uncertainty and anticipation of negative events, often accompanied by vague forebodings. It may manifest as tension, worry, nervousness, feelings of helplessness, and insecurity. Unlike fear, the causes of anxiety are usually unconscious, but it signals potential danger and stimulates a person to take actions aimed at increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
According to Frederick Perls' concept, anxiety arises from the gap between the present moment and the future, emphasizing its connection with anticipation and uncertainty.
It is important to distinguish anxiety as a temporary emotional state (situational anxiety) from anxiety as a stable personality trait, characterized by a tendency to frequently experience intense anxiety, even for minor reasons.
The psychophysiological manifestations of anxiety may include trembling, body aches, a "lump" sensation in the throat, difficulty breathing, heart pain, gastrointestinal problems, and memory impairment.
Perls, F. (1969). Gestalt Therapy Verbatim. Random House.
American Psychological Association. (2021). Anxiety. In APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/anxiety
Gray, J. A. (1982). The Psychology of Fear and Stress. Cambridge University Press.
Clark, D. M., & Beck, A. T. (2010). Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: Science and Practice. Guilford Press.