Psychometric properties and factor structure of the Persian version of worry questionnaire - Contrast avoidance model

According to the contrast avoidance (CA) model, avoiding sudden emotional changes can lead to pathological worry. There is no valid tool to measure CA tendencies in Iranian people. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a Persian version of the Contrast Avoidance Questionnaire-Worry (CAQ-W).

By convenience sampling, 426 participants were selected. The validity of the scale was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Additionally, this scale was tested for convergent validity with other scales. The coefficient theta, theta coefficient, and composite reliability were used to calculate the scale's reliability.

There were three factors identified by the exploratory factor analysis, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.963 for the whole scale. It was found that the composite reliability ranged between 0.82 and 0.89. The composite reliability and extracted variance were respectively 0.569 and 0.975. Thus, the factors were found to be convergent. Based on CAQ-W, there is a positive and significant correlation between Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) (r = .846) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) (r = .720). Also, confirmatory factor analysis supported its 3-factor structure.

As complementary measures of CA tendencies, the CAQ-W has demonstrated strong psychometric properties.