The Cognitive Model of Anxiety 45
The primal threat mode consists of different types of schemas all aimed at maxi-
mizing safety and minimizing danger. Table 2.4 lists the different schemas of the threat
mode and their function.
Cognitive- Conceptual Schemas
These schemas represent beliefs, rules, and assumptions that are relevant to making
inferences and interpretations of threat. Activation of the cognitive- conceptual schemas
of the primal threat mode results in the primary appraisals of threat. They enable the
selection, storage, retrieval, and interpretation of information in terms of degree of
threat to one’s vital resources. They also represent information about the self in terms
of vulnerability to threat as well as specific beliefs about the dangerousness of certain
experiences or situations in the external or internal environments.
Behavioral Schemas
Behavioral schemas consist of response disposition codes and action readiness programs
that enable a very quick and automatic early defensive response to threat. Most often this
will involve behavioral mobilization such as the fight-or- flight response regularly seen in
anxiety states. However, the behavioral schemas of the primal threat mode also enable
persons to perceive and evaluate their initial behavioral response. Behavioral responses
that are considered effective in immediately reducing threat will be reinforced and uti-
lized on future occasions, whereas behavioral responses that do not lead to immediate
anxiety or threat reduction will tend to be discarded.
Physiological Schemas
These schemas represent information pertinent to autonomic arousal and other physi-
cal sensations. Physiological schemas are involved in the processing of proprioceptive
stimuli and allow individuals to perceive and evaluate their physiological responses (D.
A. Clark et al., 1999). Anxiety states are often associated with heightened perceptions
of physiological arousal, which can make the situation seem even more threatening. In
panic disorder the interpretation of certain physical sensations (e.g., elevated heart rate,
chest pain, breathlessness) may actually constitute the primary appraisal of threat. In
table 2.4. schemas of the primal threat mode
Type of schema Function
Cognitive-conceptual Represents appraisals of threat and danger to personal
well-being, and absence or reduced likelihood of safety
Behavioral Represents early defensive behaviors (mobilization,
immobility, escape, avoidance)
Physiological Represents perceived autonomic arousal, physical
sensations
Motivational Represents aims of moving away; a desire to minimize
unpredictability, lack of control, and unpleasantness
Affective Represents subjective feelings of nervousness, agitation