Evaluation of psychometric and factor structural properties of Experiential Avoidance multidimensional questionnaire (short form)

Experiential avoidance is the attempt to change the shape, frequency, and duration of events that are perceived as negative and retreat from situations that provoke such occurrences. Experiential avoidance is contributory in the development, persistence and exacerbation of many of psychological disorders and problems in interpersonal relationships. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the short form of Experiential Avoidance multidimensional questionnaire among the Iranian university students. For this purpose, 335 students were selected through availability sampling method and evaluated by multidimensional questionnaires of Experiential Avoidance, Acceptance & Act, and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that the questionnaire contains six factors including: cognitive avoidance, emotional avoidance, behavioral avoidance, mental confusion aversion, procrastination, and psychological pressure tolerance. Positive correlation between psychological pressure tolerance and physical health, mental health, and acceptance demonstrate the convergent validity of the questionnaire. The results, also, indicated desirable internal consistency of the questionnaire among the Iranian students; and that it can be used to predict mental health and identify individuals prone to various physical and psychological disorders.