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Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Contrast avoidance predicts and mediates the effect of trait worry on problem-solving impairment
Sandra J Llera1, Michelle G Newman2
1Towson University, Department of Psychology, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252, USA.
Abstract:
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 problem-solving 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.
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