Validation of the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) in a representative Polish sample

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Experiential avoidance is a key transdiagnostic process in psychopathology.
• Validated instruments are needed to measure experiential avoidance in diverse populations.
• The Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) is a widely used measure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) in the Polish population.
• To establish the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the BEAQ.
• To assess the reliability and validity of the BEAQ for measuring experiential avoidance.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of 1,216 Polish adults completed an online survey.
• The BEAQ was translated using a back-translation method.
• Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were conducted.

Main Results:

• The unidimensional model did not fit the data well.
• Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors: "cognitive-emotional avoidance" and "behavioral avoidance."
• Both factors demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.78 and 0.74) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.79 and 0.75).
• The subscales showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusions:

• The Polish version of the BEAQ is a psychometrically sound instrument.
• The adapted BEAQ can be reliably used in research and clinical practice in Poland.
• The BEAQ offers a convenient and reliable measure of experiential avoidance.