A Taxometric Analysis of Experiential Avoidance. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kirk, Alex; Broman-Fulks, Joshua J.; Arch, Joanna J.
• Is Part Of: Behavior therapy. Volume 52:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: experiential avoidance -- taxometrics -- MEAQ -- BEAQ -- AAQ-II; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7894

Abstract

Abstract: Experiential avoidance, a trait-like construct referring to the tendency to rigidly avoid or change unpleasant internal experiences stemming from an unwillingness to experience them, is believed to contribute to the development and maintenance of various forms of psychopathology. Despite significant research on this construct, it remains unclear whether experiential avoidance is dimensional or categorical at the latent level. The current study examined the latent structure of experiential avoidance using three taxometric analytic approaches (MAXimum Eigenvalue, Mean Above Minus Below A Curve, Latent-Mode Factor Analysis) applied to data from two independent samples and using three widely used measures of experiential avoidance. The first sample ( n = 922) completed the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (Gámez, Chmielewski, Kotov, Ruggero, & Watson, 2011), while the second sample ( n = 615) completed the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (Gámez et al., 2014) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (Bond et al., 2011). Across both samples and all three measures, experiential avoidance exhibited a dimensional structure. The clinical and research implications of this finding for experiential avoidance are discussed. Highlights: The latent structure of EA was measured using three taxometric procedures. The MEAQ, BEAQ, and AAQ-II showed a latent dimensional structure for EA. The MEAQ/BEAQ had stronger indicators than the AAQ-II. Behavioral Avoidance and Distress Aversion were consistent MEAQ/BEAQ indicators.