A STUDY OF ANXIETY AMONG ENGLISH AND AMERICAN BOYS.

Anxiety is frequently a basic factor in adjustment to problem situations. If the anxiety evidenced is not disproportionate to the objective situation and if adjustment can be achieved by rational behavior, the anxiety factor is termed normal, or adaptive. On the other hand, if the anxiety exhibited is disproportionate to the objective situation and adjustable behavior involves repression and the development of neurotic symptoms, the anxiety factor is thought of as abnormal, or "neurotic anxiety." Thus the individual's definition of the situation determines the kind of anxiety generated. It seems doubtful that this distinction between normal and abnormal anxiety should be utilized in reference to nationality groups or social classes. However, the comparative frequency of expression of generic anxiety by individuals composing a group or class can be ascertained and inferences may be drawn about existing differences in their definitions of objective situations. The term anxiety as used in this study does not imply pathology. Rather, it refers to an emotional expression of uncertainty, unusual concern, or apprehension. In this generic sense, it is assumed that the response "worried me a lot" to a check-list item indicates the presence of some degree of anxiety in the respondent.