Abstract: Schachter's two factor theory proposed that both body arousal and cognitive interpretations determine the experienced emotion. This view is consistent with Beck's cognitive model of psychopathology. The present research used the Belief Scale (BS), Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ) and Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scales for depression and anxiety (HAMD, HAMA) to test these theories in anxious subjects (N=58), depressed (N=35) and normal control (N=96) subjects. It was concluded that Automatic thoughts about somatic danger and fear of somatic sensations are specific features of anxiety disorders. Thoughts about social and behavioral consequences, however, seem to be a more common feature of both anxious and depressed patients. These results indicated that body arousal and cognitive interpretations play an important role in the onset and maintenance of anxiety. The content of clinically anxious patients' cognition is characterized by theme of threat. Dangerous negative automatic thoughts are closely related with anxiety. Schema, which are reflected by dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes might make patients magnify the degree of danger. The data provided evidence for Schachter's two factor theory and Beck's cognitive model.

Key words: anxiety, belief, body sensations, negative automatic thought, cognitive model