Abstract

Using a theoretical approach, a comprehensive treatment model was developed conceptualizing panic from a humanistic-existential perspective. The foundation of the model was constructed through the analysis and integration of several areas of literature. To establish a historical background for the model, the philosophical roots of the humanistic-existential perspective were explored through a historical review of the philosophies of humanism, existentialism, and phenomenology. In further establishing the foundation for the model, the study included an analysis of how these philosophies reemerged in psychology's "Third Force" movement, along with the sociocultural influences involved in its development. Historical accounts of anxiety and panic were then explored, along with possible sociocultural factors of anxiety and panic and the idea of an "Anxiety Age" in history. ;The framework for the model was established through an in-depth analysis of anxiety as conceptualized in the humanist-existential literature, emphasizing how these constructs could be applied to psychology's current understanding of panic. Basic themes emerged out of this analysis: anxiety is viewed as ontological, a basic constituent of life; anxiety is a concomitant to choicefulness; anxiety is a danger signal, a warning of threat to the core self; anxiety is a growth experience. More generally, anxiety has traditionally been viewed in existential theory as the hallmark of existential conflict. In developing the model, it was proposed that as the most severe form of anxiety, a panic attack may be viewed from an existential theoretical framework as involving an existential crisis that not only contributes to the onset of the disturbance but may be manifested metaphorically in the phenomenological experience of panic as well. ;With humanistic-existential concepts of anxiety as a basis, the study investigated the presence of existential themes in the precipitating life events and phenomenological experience of panic. This investigation of the literature revealed strong evidence for the involvement of existential issues in many cases of panic. Often the associated stressors and life events seemed to manifest as existential "boundary experiences" for the afflicted individual. Similarly, existential themes--such as being/death awareness; contingency; freedom; responsibility; entrapment; groundlessness; isolation; relatedness; guilt--abounded in descriptive phenomenological accounts of the panic experience itself. ;The study contrasted this view with current popular treatments for anxiety and panic, and proposed an integrated model which while incorporating other current methodologies, would ensure that existential issues are specifically and thoroughly addressed in the treatment of panic. The intent of the study was not to replace existing models of panic, such a biological and cognitive-behavioral approaches, but to develop a more holistic, growth-oriented context in which to employ these symptom-reduction methods. Applications of the model and specific treatment considerations are discussed. It is proposed that by focusing more on the existential dimensions of panic, clinicians may be able to help clients understand the deeper meaning of their anxiety and move toward a richer, more authentic life