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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Does experiential avoidance mediate the effects of maladaptive coping styles on psychopathology and mental health?
Martine Fledderus1, Ernst T Bohlmeijer, Marcel E Pieterse
1University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology & Communication of Health & Risk, Netherlands. m.fledderus@utwente.nl
Abstract:
Experiential avoidance (EA) is considered a risk factor for psychopathology.This study explores whether EA mediates the relationship between maladaptive coping styles (palliative, avoidance, and passive coping) and psychopathology and positive mental health. A total of 93 adults with mild to moderate psychological distress completed measures assessing coping styles, psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and alcohol use), and mental health (emotional, psychological, and social well-being). Results showed that EA mediated the effects of passive coping on both increased anxiety and depression and decreased emotional and psychological well-being. These results suggest that a person who is prone to use EA or has learned EA in stressful situations has a higher risk of developing psychopathology and lower mental health.This indicates that early interventions that aim at people with high levels of EA are highly relevant.
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