Examining the role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in predicting anxiety and depression

ConclusionsThe bidirectional association between cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance was most predictive of distress in the clinical sample. In the non ‐clinical sample, cognitive fusion and the experiential avoidance → cognitive fusion pathway demonstrated more explanatory value. Given the cross‐sectional nature of most of the data, the findings provide theoretical (as opposed to empirical) support for the models tested.Practitioner points Interventions designed to reduce cognitive fusion may be a useful early intervention for sub ‐clinical anxiety and depression. Interventions focused on reducing both cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance may be helpful for individuals presenting with clinical anxiety and depression. Individuals presenting with particularly high levels of experiential avoidance may benefit from ini tial work defusing from difficult thoughts, as an inroad for reducing experiential avoidance, anxiety, and depression. Likewise, those with rigid cognitive fusion may benefit from initial work around acceptance skills to create a context that better supports defusion.
Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research