Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire Research Articles

Prediction of borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma with the mediating role of experiential avoidance.

Traits of borderline personality disorder are important for the determination of the prognosis of mental illnesses and in evaluating risks of negativity as well as impulsivity. But, there is a lack of information about the distribution characteristics of borderline personality disorder traits and symptoms within clinical groups. The goal of the current study was to predict borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma, using experiential avoidance as a mediator. All male patients hospitalized in local psychiatric health centers with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder comprised the statistical population of the current study. The number of 60 patients were selected by the purposeful sampling method. The questionnaire included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and the Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms (BSL-23). The results demonstrated that there is a considerable and positive relationship between childhood trauma and experiential avoidance (r = 0.711, p< 0.01). In the mediating model, childhood trauma had significant direct predictive effects on borderline personality disorder (β = 0.546, p< 0.01). Also, between childhood trauma and BPD, experienced avoidance acts as a moderating factor. (β = 0.304, p< 0.01).

Latent structure, measurement invariance, and further validation of an Arabic version of the brief experiential avoidance questionnaire

Experiential avoidance (EA) is a key construct in psychopathology research and practice. Thus, various measures were constructed to assess it, including the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). Nevertheless, an Arabic version of the BEAQ has yet to be available, a demand that this study was conducted to fulfill. An Arabic version (BEAQ-A) was developed and tested psychometrically using data from 599 Saudi participants who completed the measures online (Mage = 28.93, ± 8.35, 65.9 % women). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses uncovered a 14-item hierarchical structure that comprised one second-order factor and three first-order factors: Perceived Avoidance (PA; 10 items), Procrastination (Proc.; 2 items), and Repression/Denial (RD; 2 items). Utilizing further data from a second sample that completed a paper and pencil (PP) version (N=324, Mage = 22.09, ± 3.92, 56.2 % women), this structure appeared to be partially invariant across modes of administration and gender. The Proc. and R/D loaded significantly, along with psychological distress and negative affectivity items, on the same factor in an EFA, thereby undermining their discriminant validity. All subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability. The R/D and BEAQ-A total scores were unique predictors of psychological inflexibility and negative affect. In contrast, depressive and anxiety symptoms, positive affect, and well-being were predicted by Proc. and R/D. In general, findings supported the psychometric suitability of BEAQ-A. However, further research is warranted to replicate findings in larger samples and examine the measure's clinical utility.

Study protocol for "Psilocybin in patients with fibromyalgia: brain biomarkers of action".

Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Fibromyalgia is a particularly debilitating form of widespread chronic pain. Fibromyalgia remains poorly understood, and treatment options are limited or moderately effective at best. Here, we present a protocol for a mechanistic study investigating the effects of psychedelic-assisted-therapy in a fibromyalgia population. The principal focus of this trial is the central mechanism(s) of psilocybin-therapy i.e., in the brain and on associated mental schemata, primarily captured by electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of the acute psychedelic state, plus pre and post Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Twenty participants with fibromyalgia will complete 8 study visits over 8 weeks. This will include two dosing sessions where participants will receive psilocybin at least once, with doses varying up to 25mg. Our primary outcomes are 1) Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZc) recorded acutely using EEG, and the 2) the (Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) measured at baseline and primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes will aim to capture broad aspects of the pain experience and related features through neuroimaging, self-report measures, behavioural paradigms, and qualitative interviews. Pain Symptomatology will be measured using the Brief Pain Inventory Interference Subscale (BPI-IS), physical and mental health-related function will be measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Further neurobiological investigations will include functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (changes from baseline to primary endpoint), and acute changes in pre- vs post-acute spontaneous brain activity - plus event-related potential functional plasticity markers, captured via EEG. The results of this study will provide valuable insight into the brain mechanisms involved in the action of psilocybin-therapy for fibromyalgia with potential implications for the therapeutic action of psychedelic-therapy more broadly. It will also deliver essential data to inform the design of a potential subsequent RCT.

Comparison of health promotion lifestyle, metacognitive beliefs, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, and emotion regulation in couples with emotional divorce and normal couplescopules

Introduction: One of the important factors of psychological dysfunction in families is the conflict resulting from emotional divorce. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of health-promoting lifestyle, metacognitive beliefs, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, and emotional regulation on couples with emotional divorce and normal couples. Method: The current comparative causal research was conducted on 88 married students of the Islamic Azad University of Qom, who were selected by the convenience sampling method, (44 subjects with emotional divorce and 44 normal subjects). The research tools were Health Promotion Questionnaire developed by Walker et al. [1987], Emotional Divorce prepared by Gutman et al. [2001], Metacognitive Beliefs made by Wells and Cartwright Hutton [2004], Cognitive Fusion prepared by Gillands et al. [2010], Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire developed by Gams et al. in 2011, and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire made by Gross and John in 2003. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance in SPSS software (version 27). Results: The results showed that couples with emotional divorce had different levels of health-promoting lifestyle (P=0.000, F=19.74), metacognitive beliefs (P=0.000, F=31.74), cognitive fusion (P=0.000, F=16.28), and experiential avoidance (P=0.000, F=19.31), compared to normal couples. Moreover, couples with emotional divorce used a more non-adaptive strategy (Fronshani, P=0.001, F=12/43) to regulate emotion in comparison with normal couples. Conclusion: The results indicated the difference in research variables between couples with emotional divorce and normal couples. Therefore, psychological health screening is suggested to prevent small levels of psychological problems in the sample group

Enhancing Relapse Prevention: Examining the Impact of Experiential Avoidance, Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Basic Psychological Needs in Substance Use Treatment.

The harmful effects of drug relapse have always been one of the major challenges in addiction treatment. The present study aimed to predict drug relapse in addicted men under treatment based on experiential avoidance, integrative self-knowledge, and basic psychological needs. The present study was a correlational one. The statistical population included all addicted men in Choubindar prison in Qazvin in 2021, among whom 200 individuals were selected randomly. Then, the participants filled out the Relapse Prediction Scale (RPS), Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ), Integrative Self-Knowledge Scale (ISK), and Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). Data were analyzed using stepwise regression via SPSS software (version 25). The results of the study demonstrated that some of the components of experiential avoidance including distraction, distress endurance, behavioral avoidance, and distress aversion could account for 14.0% of the variance of the relapse in the addicts (P<0.05). Moreover, the obtained results considering the reflective self-knowledge component and the overall score of integrative self-knowledge could explain 15.0% of the variance in relapse in the addicts. Among the basic psychological needs, communication could predict 3.8% of the variance in relapse. Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that through addiction treatment and prevention of relapse programs, psychologists reduce drug relapse in addicts by decreasing distractions and behavioral avoidance, increasing distress endurance, enhancing self-knowledge, and improving efficient relationships.

Untangling the link between experiential avoidance and non-suicidal self-injury: a multidimensional approach

ABSTRACT Objective Experiential avoidance, an individual’s unwillingness to experience uncomfortable internal feelings/emotions, has been found to be associated with history of self-injury. This association is mainly found in studies that use global measures of experiential avoidance. However, experiential avoidance is purported to be a multidimensional construct. This study aims to test both unidimensional and multidimensional measures of experiential avoidance and their associations with self-injury. Method University students (n = 632, M = 25.01, SD = 7.13, 78.8% female, 70.9% with lived experience of self-injury) completed well-validated self-report measures of self-injury, experiential avoidance (The Brief and the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire). Results As expected, all sub-scales of multidimensional measure of experiential avoidance were highly correlated with the global score for experiential avoidance. The global measure of experiential avoidance differentiated individuals with no history, with past history, and recent history of self-injury. When assessed using the multidimensional measure, only the sub-factors behavioural avoidance and repression and denial differentiated those with no history of self-injury from those with recent history and those with recent history from those with past history of self-injury. Conclusion Findings raise the possibility that associations between experiential avoidance and self-injury may be down to two specific aspects of experiential avoidance, namely 1) behavioural avoidance and 2) repression/denial. If true, this will have important theoretical, clinical, and measurement implications for research into self-injury.

Experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking among women during pregnancy and postpartum: Buffering effect of self-compassion.

The present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, self-compassion and body-checking during two stages of maternity (pregnancy and postpartum) among women embracing maternity for the first time. The study used a cross sectional correlational design and enrolled 306 women participants who were in their third trimester of pregnancy or of postpartum (pregnant = 154 [50.3%]; postpartum = 152 [49.7%]) with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years (M = 26.62; SD = 2.19). The data was collected using the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ); Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ); Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ); Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Body-checking Questionnaire (BCQ). Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21. A significant positive association was observed between experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking while self-compassion showed reverse association with these variables. The body-checking outcome was significantly negatively predicted by self-compassionate attitude and positively by thought suppression in both groups (i.e., pregnant and postpartum). The experiential avoidance positively predicted body-checking among women in post-partum group only. Moreover, a mediating association of experiential avoidance and a moderating effect of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) and meta-cognition (positive beliefs about worry and need to control thought) were also observed to moderate between thought suppression and body-checking outcomes. The study concluded that experiential avoidance and thought suppression contribute in developing body-checking behaviors among women who are pregnant or at postpartum stage of maternity. In addition, self-compassion and meta-cognition moderate this association with self-compassion playing potential buffer.

Assessing the mediating role of emotion regulation and experiential avoidance within a posttraumatic stress disorder and racial trauma framework.

Theoretical and empirical evidence has begun to delineate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and racial trauma, but the degree to which individual psychological processes differ in the development of these two outcomes remains limited. Despite key distinctions in etiology and phenotypic presentations, prominent PTSD risk factors such as difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance (EA) may also contribute to the development of racial trauma. The goal of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate how difficulties in emotion regulation and EA differ in their associations with PTSD and racial trauma. For this study, racial and ethnic minority undergraduate students completed a battery of questionnaires including the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale, and the PTSD checklist for DSM-5. A path model suggested emotion regulation difficulties and EA significantly mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and PTSD symptoms. However, only emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and racial trauma symptoms. Compared to racial trauma, pairwise comparisons suggested that emotion regulation difficulties and EA indirect effects were significantly greater when predicting PTSD symptoms. Additionally, the effects of emotion regulation difficulties were greater than EA when predicting PTSD symptoms and racial trauma. Findings of the present study suggest individual psychological factors may play a lesser role in the development of racial trauma compared to PTSD symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire: Validation of the French Version in Non-clinical Adults.

Various studies indicate the role of experiential avoidance (EA) in the onset and maintenance of mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders. The Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) is a quick tool to assess EA. This study aimed to translate the BEAQ into French and to validate it in a sample of non-clinical adults. The BEAQ was translated from English into French using the translation and back-translation technique. The translated questionnaire was submitted to 93 psychology students to identify unclear/ambiguous items. Then, the final French and the original versions of the BEAQ were administered to 64 bilingual individuals two weeks apart to assess the scale's content validity and test-retest reliability. Finally, the BEAQ-French and other scales were administered to 580 non-clinical adults to assess its factor structure and its convergent and discriminant validity. Results showed no significant difference between the English and French versions of the BEAQ. The BEAQ demonstrated high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses did not support the one-factor structure of the BEAQ. Exploratory factor analyses revealed a two-factor structure. The BEAQ presented satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity with related measures and measures of neuroticism, negative affect and mental health problems. The results suggest that the BEAQ-French is a reliable tool for assessing EA. Unlike the original version, the BEAQ-French exhibits a two-factor rather than a one-factor structure. Further research is needed to confirm this two-factor structure and to assess more precisely the convergent validity of the scale.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Schema Therapy on Mental Pain and Experiential Avoidance in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of premature death worldwide, causing 18 million deaths annually. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based schema therapy on mental pain and experiential avoidance in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods and Materials: The current study was a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population included patients visiting the Tehran Heart Center during March to May 2023. Thirty patients were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received mindfulness-based schema therapy in ten 90-minute sessions, once a week. The instruments used included the Orbach &amp; Co (2003) Mental Pain questionnaire and the Bond &amp; Co (2011) Experiential Avoidance questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS software version 26. Findings: The results showed that mindfulness-based schema therapy has a significant effect on mental pain and experiential avoidance in patients with cardiovascular diseases (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based schema therapy can be used as an effective intervention for reducing mental pain and experiential avoidance.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Experiential Avoidance, Self-Compassion, and Physiological Indices in Women with Breast Cancer

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of mindfulness training on experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and certain physiological indices in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Method: This applied research was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and control group design. The population included all women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer who were under medical care after completing chemotherapy or radiotherapy at Shahid Tajrish Hospital in 2020-2021. A convenience sampling method was used to select 40 female breast cancer patients, who were equally divided into an experimental group (20 participants) and a control group (20 participants). Data were collected using the Neff's Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), the Bond et al.'s Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (2011), and physiological indices. Mindfulness training, based on the protocol by Lengacher et al. (2019), consisted of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each for the experimental group, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis. Findings: The results indicated that mindfulness training significantly increased self-compassion (F = 6.35, p &lt; .05) and decreased experiential avoidance (F = 4.75, p &lt; .05) in women with breast cancer. Additionally, the training significantly reduced cortisol levels (F = 7.38, p &lt; .05), but did not have a significant effect on the concentrations of IL-6 (F = 0.83, p &gt; .05) and CRP (F = 0.04, p &gt; .05). Conclusion: Considering the current findings, it can be said that mindfulness training is effective in improving the psychological condition and reducing stress in women with breast cancer.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Experiential Avoidance and Post-Traumatic Growth in Sexually Abused Girls

Objective: Sexual abuse in its various forms leaves irreversible damages on the physical and psychological development of children and adolescents. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on experiential avoidance and post-traumatic growth in sexually abused girls. Methods and Materials: The present research was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included sexually abused girls studying in Western Tehran during the 2023-2024 academic year. Forty-five individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (each group consisting of 15 individuals). The first experimental group received Gilbert's Compassion-Focused Therapy (2010) and the second experimental group received Hofmann and Otto's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (2008) in eight 60-minute sessions. The control group did not receive any psychological treatment. Research instruments included Lisak's Sexual Abuse Questionnaire (2005), Bond's Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (2011), and Tedeschi and Calhoun's Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (1996). Data were analyzed using covariance analysis, Bonferroni post hoc test, and SPSS software version 26. Findings: The results showed that Compassion-Focused Therapy was more effective than Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on experiential avoidance (F=24.91, P=0.001) and post-traumatic growth (F=51.26, P=0.001) in sexually abused girls (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Compared to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy can play an effective role in reducing experiential avoidance and increasing post-traumatic growth in sexually abused girls.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Experiential Avoidance in Individuals Grieving Due to COVID-19

Objective: Psychiatric interventions for individuals with complex grief are essential; therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on experiential avoidance in individuals grieving due to COVID-19. Research Method: This semi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The population of the study consisted of all families grieving due to COVID-19 during 2020-2021 in the city of Chalus, from which 45 individuals were selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned into three groups (two experimental and one control) of 15 members each. The first group received 9 sessions of Greenberg's (2017) emotion-focused therapy, the second group received 9 sessions of Beck's (2011) cognitive-behavioral therapy, and the control group received no intervention. The Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ; Gámez et al., 2011) was completed by participants at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, for data collection. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings: The results indicated that both emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective in reducing experiential avoidance in grieving individuals, and moreover, in comparing the two therapies, emotion-focused therapy was more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy in controlling experiential avoidance (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that emotion-focused therapy can be utilized to improve experiential avoidance in grieving individuals.

Psychological flexibility for the well-being of musicians: New possibilities for psychological counseling

Musicians face demands such as long-term practice, skill assessment, mental preparation difficulties, anxiety, depression, and study addiction. These challenges extend to their professional life with occupational demands influencing well-being, which underlines the necessity for psychological interventions and preventive programs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/training, based on the psychological flexibility model (acceptance, defusion, self as context, committed action, values, and contacting the present moment), has recently been implemented in work with musicians and appears to be effective in lowering performance anxiety and enhancing performance. This study aimed to conceptualize the psychological functioning of musicians using the psychological flexibility model and to qualitatively analyze possible differences between musicians with high and low experiential avoidance measured with the Measurement of Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ-30PL). The survey was administered twice, with slight modifications the second time, to two samples of 57 and 63 musicians, respectively. In both experiential avoidance groups, we observed flexibility processes such as values and engaged actions, and inflexibility processes such as fusion with thoughts and avoidance of unease. We also found differences between the ways in which committed actions, fusion, and inflexible attention were expressed by participants with high and low experiential avoidance. We discuss these results in light of preventive programs in music education, with an indication of improvements that could be made on the basis of the psychological flexibility model.

Experiential avoidance and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in University students

Experiential avoidance is functional diagnostic dimension which refers to the unwillingness to engage with distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, and other internal experiences, despite the subsequent impairment it may cause. The spectrum of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) is often associated with anxiety and avoidant behaviors. It is still unknown the relation of each OCD dimension with experiential avoidance. This study aims to examine the relationship between dimensions of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and experiential avoidance in a college student sample. A total of 390 undergraduate students participated in this investigation, completing online surveys including DYBOC-short version and the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ), alongside assessments of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). The findings indicated a significant correlation between experiential avoidance, obsessive-compulsive symptom scores, and depression scores within a non-clinical sample.

Measurement of psychological inflexibility: an examination of the psychometric properties of the AAQ-3 compared to AAQ-II

Due to the limitations of the existing measurements of experiential avoidance, we would like to check the validity of the improved version of Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II), i.e., Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–3 (AAQ-3), in Chinese content. The present study was aim to examine the construct and validity of the Chinese version of AAQ-3 in college students and provide an initial validation of this instrument to promote future cross-cultural examination of the psychological flexibility. Totally 1,572 college students were invited to complete the Chinese AAQ-3 and the related questionnaires at the same time. After one month, 380 participates were assessed with same questionnaires to examine the test-retest reliability. The results indicated a similar one-factor solution in the Chinese AAQ-3 to the original version by exploratory factor analysis, parallel analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good. According to the testing of the measurement invariance, the one-factor model was acceptable across gender (Man = 875, Girl = 697). Additionally, Chinese AAQ-3 was significantly negatively correlated with positive mental health (life satisfaction, mindful attention awareness), significantly positively correlated with negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress), and significantly positively correlated with AAQ–II and Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). Besides, Chinese AAQ-3 was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction compared to the AAQ-II and BEAQ. However, according to the exploratory structural equation model, the Chinese AAQ-3 demonstrated excellent discriminate validity from negative emotions. Overall, the AAQ-3 modified the limitations of the existing measurements of experiential avoidance (i.e., AAQ-II and BEAQ) as it showed better convergent validity with positive mental health indicators, better discriminant validity with negative emotions, and higher incremental validity. Therefore, the Chinese AAQ-3 is a valid measurement tool for assessing the level of experiential avoidance or psychological flexibility in Chinese college students.

Prediction of sexual desire based on emotional self-regulation, experiential avoidance, and depressive symptoms in female teachers

Introduction: A normal sexual desire plays an important role in marital stability; therefore, it is essential to identify factors affecting it. Aim: The present study aimed to predict sexual desire based on emotional self-regulation, experiential avoidance, and depressive symptoms in female teachers in Bafq, Iran. Method: In this descriptive-correlational study, the statistical population consisted of 225 female teachers, who taught the second grade of high school in Bafq, Iran, during the academic year 2021-2022. Finally, 130 samples were selected from the statistical population via convenience sampling. The data collection tools included the Halbert Index of Sexual Desire (1991), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire by John and Gross (2003), Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (2011), and Beck’s Depression Inventory (1961). Data analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test and multiple regression analysis in SPSS Version 26. Results: The results showed a significant positive relationship between cognitive reappraisal and sexual desire. On the other hand, sexual desire had a significant negative relationship with procrastination, suppression/denial, distress tolerance, experiential avoidance, and depression (P&lt;0.01). Moreover, the results of regression analysis revealed that depression, cognitive reappraisal, and procrastination could predict sexual desire (coefficients: 0.25, 0.26, and 0.24, respectively). Conclusion: The present results showed that emotional self-regulation, experiential avoidance, and depression were influential factors in sexual desire. Therefore, appropriate methods should be implemented to improve the teachers emotional self-regulation, experiential avoidance, and depressive symptoms in order to increase their sexual drive.

Prediction of Emotional Disorders Based on Neuroticism with Emotion Regulation, Experiential Avoidance, and Repetitive Negative Thinking

Background: Emotional disorders are common and recurring mental conditions that can severely affect individuals and have long-term economic consequences for society. Objectives: This study aimed to predict emotional disorders, using neuroticism, emotion regulation, experiential avoidance (EA), and repetitive negative thinking as predictors. Patients and Methods: The study included a sample of 414 patients diagnosed with emotional disorders residing in Tehran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Negative Repetitive Thoughts Questionnaire (NRTQ), Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (EAQ), Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS), and NEO Personality Questionnaire (NEO FFI). Structural equation modeling, analyzed with SPSS-22 and AMOS-24 software, was employed for data analysis. Results: Neuroticism significantly predicted negative emotional regulation, EA, emotional disorders, and repetitive negative thoughts (P &lt; 0.001). The coefficient of determination for emotional disorders was calculated as 0.73, indicating that 73% of the variance in emotional disorders can be explained by the predictor variables (neuroticism, emotional regulation, negative repetitive thoughts, and EA). Conclusions: Therefore, it is essential to consider the influence of personality and psychological factors on the inclination toward disorders. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the development of culturally sensitive, contextually relevant, and psychosocially oriented prevention and treatment programs for emotional disorders using an integrated approach.

Socioemotional self- and co-regulation in functional seizures: comparing high and low posttraumatic stress.

Functional seizures (FS) are seizure-like symptoms without electroencephalogram (EEG)-based epileptic activity. Those with FS often show emotion-related dysfunction and disrupted interpersonal relationships, in which posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTS) may play a role. We sought to better understand trauma comorbidities and socioemotional processes in FS, including affectionate touch, a form of social connection linked to emotion regulation and awareness. We administered questionnaires online to a community sample of 89 trauma-exposed FS participants (FS diagnoses were self-reported), 51 with and 38 without clinical-level PTS (FS-PTShi, FS-PTSlo) and 216 seizure-free matched trauma-exposed controls (TCs), 91 with and 125 without clinical-level PTS (TC-PTShi, TC-PTSlo) per the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Checklist (PCL). As hypothesized, both FS-PTShi and FS-PTSlo reported more emotional avoidance (Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire), more emotion regulation difficulties (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale), and more perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) than PTS-matched counterparts. FS-PTShi also reported less reappraisal (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), more loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and less frequent affectionate touch (Physical Affection Scale) during waking and surrounding sleep than TC-PTShi, whereas FS-PTSlo and TC-PTSlo did not differ. Neither FS group differed from PTS-matched controls in emotion suppression (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire) or comfort with social touch (Social Touch Questionnaire). Among FS, FS-PTShi reported more difficulties than FS-PTSlo on nearly all measures (non-significant trend for social support). Findings underscore potential synergistic effects of FS and PTS clinical symptoms in shaping experiences of one's emotions and social world, suggesting fostering meaningful connections with others, including via affectionate touch, is an important treatment target.

Social Media Use as an Impulsive 'Escape From Freedom'.

It has been suggested that avoiding choice represents an anxiety-avoidance strategy, which has not been investigated in the context of social media. To this end, the current study explored the relationship between social media dependency and a preference for 'forced' choice, along with its association with anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and experiential avoidance. The sample comprised 151 volunteer participants (18-32years) who completed a psychometric test battery, including: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale; Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory; Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale; and Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire. They also undertook a behavioural assessment based on a paradigm developed for pigeons, in which they selected either a situation with a free choice of alternatives, and one with a forced choice. Intolerance of uncertainty mediated the relationship between social media dependency and anxiety. In addition, those with lower social media dependency preferred being able to choose the contingency they worked on, while those with higher scores exhibited no such preference. This partly confirmed that social media dependency is associated with a reduced preference for freedom, but does not suggest social media dependency actively produced a preference for a lack of freedom. The speed of decision making was also faster in those with high social media dependency scores, in line with previous findings that they show higher levels of impulsive behaviours. The results suggest that anxiety and social media dependency are related, and fear of uncertainty and is linked with digital experiential avoidance.