Different aspects of anxiety as predictors of post-operative anxiety and physical complaints

Previous studies have suggested that pre-operative anxiety consists of different aspects each with its own specific influence on post-operative state. This study investigated the influence of different aspects of transient anxiety i.e. state anxiety, specific anxiety, tension, observed anxiety and the amount of thinking about surgery, on post-operative anxiety and physical complaints in 126 patients undergoing lumbar surgery. Results showed that pre-operative state anxiety, specific anxiety, tension and observed anxiety each contributed uniquely to the prediction of post-operative anxiety after control for age, sex and medical variables. Tension showed a negative contribution, indicating that, when the effects of other anxiety aspects were removed, patients with high tension showed less post-operative anxiety than patients with low tension. The three other anxiety variables showed a positive contribution. Regarding postoperative physical complaints, only specific anxiety showed a positive significant contribution to the prediction. Results will be discussed in relation to the adaptation to surgery and to Janis' theory that experiencing moderate levels of anxiety is beneficial for recovery.