Perceptions of threat

A perceived threat involves the subjective recognition of a potential (but uncertain) future undesirable outcome. Such perceptions can be further subdivided into two key components: the predicted likelihood, or probability, that the undesirable outcome will occur; and the expected impact, or cost, to the individual if it does. This chapter focuses on research about the general tendency to worry, along with generalized anxiety disorder, there is emerging evidence that worrying is a transdiagnostic problem. Perceptions of threat are typically measured in psychological research by describing a variety of hypothetical outcomes and asking respondents to indicate how likely they are to occur, and the expected cost should they occur. Understanding the factors that contribute to elevated perceptions of threat has important clinical implications (e.g., for developing alternative targets for treatment, and possibly even prevention).