Cognitive bias and irrational belief as predictors of avoidance

doi:10.1016/0005-7967(89)90077-6

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume 27, Issue 2, 1989, Pages 181-188

https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(89)90077-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

Cognitive bias, i.e. overestimates of subjective probability and cost of catastrophic events, and irrational belief were explored as predictors of avoidance. Three groups—anxiety disordered clients, a mixed group of clinic outpatients, and normals—were administered several self-report inventories. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate a modified version of the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire, the Belief Scale, and the Body Sensations Questionnaire as predictors of avoidance, as measured by the Mobility Inventory. It was hypothesized that frequency × probability × cost of catastrophic cognitions (and the occurrence of the events they represent) would be a better predictor of avoidance than frequency alone. It was also hypothesized that irrational thinking would be a significant predictor of avoidance. The results generally supported the hypotheses, with subjective probability emerging as a particularly potent predictor of avoidance. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

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Cognitive bias and irrational belief as predictors of avoidance

Abstract

Adv. Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Clin. Psychol. Rev.

J. Anxiety Disord.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Panic and the future of anxiety disorders

Behavioral Treatment of Panic

Workshop conducted at the meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Boston

Ideational components of anxiety neurosis

Arch. gen. Psychiat.

Cognitive Therapy of Depression

An inventory for measuring depression

Archs gen. Psychiat.

Compulsive neuroses: a review of the literature

Psychol. Bull.

Assessment of fear of fear in agoraphobics: the body sensations questionnaire and the agoraphobic cognitions questionnaire

J. consult. clin. Psychol.

The Relationship Between Attributional Style, Fear and Avoidance Behavior

Paper presented at the meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Chicago

Detection of influential observations in linear regression

Technometrics

Panic Expectations and Avoidance Behavior

Paper presented at the meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Boston

Mobility, cognitions and panic

J. Psychopath. Behav. Assess.

Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy