Validation of the Chinese version of the Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires

Area of Science:

• Psychological assessment
• Cross-cultural psychology
• Mental health research

Background:

• The Contrast Avoidance Model posits that individuals may avoid emotional contrasts.
• The Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires (CAQs) were developed based on this model.
• Validation of translated instruments is crucial for cross-cultural research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Chinese version of the Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires (CAQs).
• To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Chinese CAQs.
• To enable future research on cultural differences in emotional contrast avoidance.

Main Methods:

• Translation and back-translation of the CAQs into Chinese.
• Exploration and validation of factor structures using two Chinese samples (N=350, N=309).
• Examination of reliability and construct validity in a third sample of Chinese college students (N=388).

Main Results:

• The original 3-factor structure for CAQ-Worry and 2-factor structure for CAQ-General Emotion were replicated.
• Both subscales demonstrated acceptable reliability.
• The Chinese CAQs showed acceptable convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptomatology.

Conclusions:

• The Chinese version of the CAQs is a reliable and valid measure.
• This validation facilitates cross-cultural studies on emotional contrast avoidance.
• Findings support the investigation of links between emotional contrast avoidance and mental health in Chinese populations.