Contrast avoidance predicts and mediates the effect of trait worry on problem-solving impairment

This study examined the relationship between the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM; Newman & Llera, 2011) and impairment in the problem-solving process using an in-vivo laboratory-based problem-solving task. We also explored whether general emotional CA tendencies explained the relationship between trait worry and problem-solving outcomes. In this study, 185 participants (42 of whom met diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder) engaged in a problem-solving task, and reported outcomes related to ability to generate solutions, confidence in solutions, intention to implement solutions, and state anxiety levels. According to results, higher general emotional CA tendencies predicted significantly more difficulties on most problemsolving outcomes. Further, CA tendencies mediated between trait worry and some, but not all, problem solving outcomes. Overall, CA appears to be linked to problem-solving deficits, and may help to explain some of the association between trait worry and negative problem-solving outcomes.

© This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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Work Title Contrast avoidance predicts and mediates the effect of trait worry on problem-solving impairment
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Sandra J. Llera
  2. Michelle G Newman
Keyword
  1. Generalized anxiety disorder
  2. Contrast avoidance
  3. Problem solving
  4. Trait worry
License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Publication Date February 1, 2023
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102674
Deposited February 17, 2023

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  • Created
  • Added Llera-in_p-Contrast_avoidance_predicts_and_med.pdf
  • Added Creator Sandra J. Llera
  • Added Creator Michelle G Newman
  • Published
  • Updated Work Title, Keyword Show Changes
    Work Title
    • Contrast avoidance predicts and mediates the effect of trait worry on the problem-solving process.
    • Contrast avoidance predicts and mediates the effect of trait worry on problem-solving impairment
    Keyword
    • Generalized anxiety disorder, Contrast avoidance, Problem solving, Trait worry
  • Updated