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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Published on: October 3, 2020

Avoidance motivation in psychological problems and psychotherapy.

Martin Grosse Holtforth¹

¹Martin Grosse Holtforth, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. grosse@ptp.unibe.ch

Psychotherapy Research : Journal of the Society for Psychotherapy Research

|September 26, 2008

Summary

Excessive avoidance motivation can impair psychological functioning and lead to psychopathology. Understanding and assessing this motivation is key for effective psychotherapy and improving well-being.

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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Published on: October 3, 2020

Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Background:

Avoidance of negative experiences is a normal human behavior.
However, excessive avoidance can negatively impact mental health and psychological functioning.
This can manifest as psychopathology and impaired well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the role of avoidance motivation in psychological problems and psychotherapy.
To introduce the concept of avoidance motivation and present newly developed assessment measures.
To report empirical findings on avoidance motivation's relation to well-being, psychopathology, and therapy outcomes.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of avoidance motivation.
Development and presentation of novel measures for avoidance motivation intensity and satisfaction.
Empirical investigation using these measures to collect data.

Main Results:

Findings demonstrate a significant role of avoidance motivation in psychological well-being.
Avoidance motivation is linked to various psychological problems and psychopathology.
The intensity and satisfaction of avoidance motivation predict psychotherapy outcomes.

Conclusions:

Avoidance motivation is a crucial factor in understanding and treating psychological disorders.
The developed measures offer valuable tools for both research and clinical practice.
Further research should explore the theoretical and practical implications for psychotherapy and mental health.