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Avoidant Automatic Thoughts Are Associated With Task Avoidance and Inattention in the Moment: Replication in a
Laura E Knouse1, Yueyi Fan1, Aditya Narayanan1
1University of Richmond, VA, USA.
Avoidant automatic thoughts (AAT) frequently occur in adults and are linked to ADHD symptoms. These thoughts predict task avoidance and inattention, suggesting AAT may be a target for interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Avoidant automatic thoughts (AAT) are thoughts that precede or accompany task initiation or completion delays.
- Previous research in college students indicated AATs are common and associated with ADHD symptoms and task avoidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and extend findings on AAT in a community sample of adults.
- To investigate the relationship between AAT, ADHD symptoms, and task avoidance in daily life.
Main Methods:
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) was used to measure AAT in 106 adults.
- Data were collected up to five times daily for six days.
Main Results:
- Baseline ADHD symptoms predicted more frequent AAT, task avoidance, and negative emotions.
- The presence of AAT was associated with inattention, task avoidance, and increased negative emotion.
- More severe ADHD symptoms amplified the link between AAT and inattention/task avoidance.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the prevalence of AAT in daily life and its connection to ADHD.
- AAT may hold clinical significance for addressing problematic avoidance behaviors.
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