Aversive Reactivity: A Transdiagnostic Functional Bridge Between Neuroticism and Avoidant Behavioral Coping

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Transdiagnostic Mechanisms

Background:

• Aversive reactivity to negative affect is a transdiagnostic mechanism.
• Numerous constructs describe aversive reactivity, potentially leading to model redundancy.
• Understanding these constructs is crucial for linking temperament to clinical behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review associations between six key aversive reactivity constructs and ten coping behaviors.
• To identify potential redundancy among constructs measuring aversive reactivity.
• To inform future research and clinical treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• A circumscribed review of existing studies.
• Examined associations between anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance, distress intolerance, intolerance of uncertainty, thought-action fusion, and negative urgency.
• Assessed relationships with ten relevant coping behaviors.

Main Results:

• Most constructs were studied in relation to a limited number of coping behaviors.
• Constructs were predominantly measured in isolation, not alongside similar constructs.
• Evidence suggests potential overlap and redundancy among aversive reactivity measures.

Conclusions:

• The proliferation of aversive reactivity constructs may lead to redundancy.
• Further research should clarify construct distinctions and relationships.
• Refining these measures can improve understanding and treatment of clinical behaviors.