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Swisher VS, Newman MG. Contrast avoidance as a diagnostic feature of OCD: A receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis of the contrast avoidance questionnaires. J Affect Disord 2024; 368:734-740. [PMID: 39299593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models focusing on transdiagnostic mechanisms, such as repetitive negative thinking, may be of additive value to existing conceptualizations of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One such model is the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM), which posits that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are sensitive to sharp increases in emotions, and use worry to maintain heightened states of negative arousal to avoid these emotional shifts. The current study used receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to examine the predictive utility of two contrast avoidance questionnaires in detecting probable OCD. METHODS Undergraduate students (N = 2880) completed measures of contrast avoidance (CAQ-GE and CAQ-W) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. A subset of participants were selected for the probable OCD group (n = 431) and the non-OCD group (n = 433). RESULTS Results showed significant differences in total CAQ-GE and CAQ-W scores between the probable OCD group and the non-OCD group. Area under the curve values demonstrated excellent accuracy in predicting probable OCD on the CAQ-GE and CAQ-W, (.87 and .88, respectively). Correlation analyses for the entire screening sample revealed that certain OC symptom dimensions (e.g., Unacceptable Thoughts; Responsibility for Harm) were more closely associated with the CAQ-GE and the CAQ-W relative to other symptom dimensions. LIMITATIONS The study had a cross-sectional design and relied on an undergraduate sample. CONCLUSION Identifying shared mechanisms across OCD and its comorbidities is an important and novel approach to understanding the etiology and maintenance of symptoms.
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LaFreniere LS, Newman MG. Savoring changes novel positive mindset targets of GAD treatment: Optimism, prioritizing positivity, kill-joy thinking, and worry mediation. Behav Res Ther 2024; 177:104541. [PMID: 38640622 PMCID: PMC11096009 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
This study analyzed effects of savoring on unstudied positive mindset targets of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05040061). 85 students with GAD were randomly assigned to one of two ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) on smartphone for seven days. The SkillJoy EMI promoted practices for savoring positive emotions. An active control EMI mirrored SkillJoy, yet did not include savoring or positive emotion. Optimism, worry, kill-joy thinking (lessening positive emotion with cognition), and prioritization of positive emotion activities and goals were assessed at pre-trial, eighth-day, post-trial, and 30th-day follow-up. Savoring was assessed pre-trial and fifth-day mid-trial. Longitudinal linear mixed models and simple slope analyses examined change between and within conditions. Bias-corrected bootstrapping path analysis examined mediation of worry change by increased savoring. SkillJoy led to significantly greater increases in both optimism and prioritizing positivity than the control from pre-trial to post-trial and pre-trial to follow-up. Both interventions significantly reduced kill-joy thinking at both timepoints with Skilljoy leading to marginally greater change at post-trial. Pre- to mid-trial increases in savoring mediated the relationships between treatment condition and reductions in worry at both post-trial and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas S LaFreniere
- Department of Psychology, Skidmore College. United States; Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University. United States.
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University. United States
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Kumar D, Corner S, Kim R, Meuret A. A randomized controlled trial of brief behavioral activation plus savoring for positive affect dysregulation in university students. Behav Res Ther 2024; 177:104525. [PMID: 38653177 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Rising rates of depression on university campuses accentuate the need for specific intervention. Interventions targeting disturbances in positive affect, in particular, remain sparse, yet such deficits interfere substantially with functioning and further exacerbate or maintain negative symptoms. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of a virtual, two-session Behavioral Activation augmented with Savoring (BA + S) intervention compared to an Emotional Awareness (EA) control group in increasing positive affect. Sixty university students with low positive affect were randomized to BA + S or EA and completed 21 days of experience-sampling of positive affect. Weekly measures of positive and negative valence symptoms were assessed at baseline, sessions one and two, and at one-week follow-up. Through a prori analyses utilizing multilevel and multivariate multilevel models, our results demonstrate that daily positive affect measured via experience-sampling significantly improved in BA + S, whereas positive affect did not change for those receiving EA, though the interaction of condition and time was not significant. Furthermore, interactions in weekly variables were significant. Increases in positive valence symptoms (affect, anhedonia, etc.) were only reported for students receiving BA + S but not EA. Negative valence symptoms (affect, depression, general distress) improved in both conditions but with superior improvements in BA + S compared to EA. BA + S shows promise for a scalable and accessible intervention to university students with clinical levels of positive and negative affect. ClinicalTrials ID: NCT05234476.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kumar
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750442, Dallas, TX, USA; McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
| | - Sarah Corner
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750442, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Richard Kim
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750442, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alicia Meuret
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750442, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Newman MG, Przeworski A. Introduction to a special issue on the contrast avoidance model. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102831. [PMID: 38219396 PMCID: PMC10923019 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The current paper introduces the special issue on the Contrast Avoidance Model. The Contrast Avoidance Mmodel theorizes that chronic worriers are afraid of a sharp increase in negative emotion and/or sharp reduction in positive emotion (labeled negative emotional contrasts; NECs). They thus use perseverative thought as means to create and sustain negative emotion to prevent NECs if they were to experience negative events. Further, these individuals are uncomfortable with sustained positive emotion because it leaves them vulnerable to NECs. At the same time, worry increases the probability of positive emotional contrasts (PECs), or sharp increases in positive emotion or decreases in negative emotion when things turn out better than expected or positive events are experienced. Therefore, these individuals generate negative emotion via perseverative thought as a way to avoid NECs and increase the likelihood of PECs. The current special issue provides novel research on the model.
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Przeworski A, Newman MG. The Contrast Avoidance Model: Conclusion and synthesis of new research in the special issue. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102830. [PMID: 38232491 PMCID: PMC10923164 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In this special series, new research on the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) was presented, including studies on the role of CAM in the maintenance of chronic worry, the incremental validity of CAM, CAM as a mediator of the association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other variables, CAM as transdiagnostic, and interpersonal behaviors as a means to avoid negative emotional contrasts (NECs). Furthermore, the role of perseverative thought in relation to positive emotional contrasts (PECs) was explored. Studies indicated that higher worry was positively and negatively reinforced, a factor that is likely to contribute to the maintenance of GAD. Further, research demonstrated that CAM contributed unique variance to understanding GAD above and beyond other variables associated with GAD, such as intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation. Additional research revealed the transdiagnostic nature of contrast avoidance, as well as the association between contrast avoidance and problem-solving deficits. In addition, both worry and rumination increased the likelihood of PECs. Further, data suggested that anxious individuals may use interpersonal strategies to avoid NECs. Finally, savoring positive emotions was found to reduce contrast avoidance, providing a novel intervention strategy to address contrast avoidance in individuals with GAD.
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Rosen FN, LaFreniere LS. Savoring, worry, and positive emotion duration in generalized anxiety disorder: Assessment and interventional experiment. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 97:102724. [PMID: 37207556 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional attempts to savor positive emotions may be infrequent in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) due to avoidance of emotional contrasts. Yet purposeful enjoyment may help reduce worry and increase wellbeing in GAD. We sought to explore 1) the frequency, intensity, and duration of positive emotions from savoring in GAD and 2) its effect on pre-existing worry. METHOD The same 139 participants participated in two studies. They first took baseline measures. After, they were explicitly taught about savoring practices. In study 1, all participants were instructed to savor a photograph and video, timing and rating their emotion. Then in study 2, participants underwent a worry induction followed by an interventional experiment. In a savoring condition, participants were instructed to savor a personally-chosen enjoyable video. In a control condition, participants watched an emotionally neutral video. RESULTS Participants who met DSM-5 criteria for GAD had significantly lower scores on naturalistic savoring via self-report than those without GAD. Yet when explicitly taught and directed to savor in study 1, there were no differences between those with and without GAD in positive emotion duration and intensity. In study 2, longitudinal linear mixed models demonstrated that savoring after a worry induction significantly decreased worry, decreased anxiety, and increased positive emotions to greater degrees than the control task. These changes did not differ between diagnostic groups. All analyses controlled for depression symptoms. CONCLUSION Although persons with GAD tend to savor less in daily life than those without GAD, intentional savoring may decrease worry and increase positive emotion for both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia N Rosen
- Skidmore College, 151 Tisch Learning Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
| | - Lucas S LaFreniere
- Skidmore College, 151 Tisch Learning Center, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA.
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Baik SY, Newman MG. The transdiagnostic use of worry and rumination to avoid negative emotional contrasts following negative events: A momentary assessment study. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 95:102679. [PMID: 36863193 PMCID: PMC10191629 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The contrast avoidance model (CAM) suggests that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are sensitive to a sharp increase in negative and/or decrease in positive affect. They thus worry to increase negative emotion to avoid negative emotional contrasts (NECs). However, no prior naturalistic study has examined reactivity to negative events, or ongoing sensitivity to NECs, or the application of CAM to rumination. We used ecological momentary assessment to examine effects of worry and rumination on negative and positive emotion before and after negative events and intentional use of repetitive thinking to avoid NECs. Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or GAD (N = 36) or without psychopathology (N = 27) received 8 prompts/day for 8 days and rated items on negative events, emotions, and repetitive thoughts. Regardless of group, higher worry/rumination before negative events was associated with less increased anxiety and sadness, and less decreased happiness from before to after the events. Participants with MDD/GAD (vs. controls) reported higher ratings on focusing on the negative to avoid NECs and greater vulnerability to NECs when feeling positive. Results support the transdiagnostic ecological validity for CAM extending to rumination and intentional engagement in repetitive thinking to avoid NECs among individuals with MDD/GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yeon Baik
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
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Llera SJ, Newman MG. Incremental validity of the contrast avoidance model: A comparison with intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 95:102699. [PMID: 36958137 PMCID: PMC10166139 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the incremental validity of the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) in predicting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms when compared against well-established constructs in the GAD literature: intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and negative problem orientation (NPO). METHOD In this study, 185 students (108 of whom endorsed clinical levels of GAD symptoms) completed questionnaires to assess for all constructs. GAD symptoms were regressed on measures of contrast avoidance (CA; Contrast Avoidance-General Emotion and Contrast Avoidance-Worry Questionnaires; Llera & Newman, 2017) tendencies in addition to measures of IU and NPO in separate analyses. Commonality analyses explored the unique versus overlapping contributions of each factor in explaining GAD symptoms. RESULTS In all models, CA was a significant predictor after controlling for demographic variables (age, gender, race, and ethnicity) and both IU and NPO. This was also true when excluding CA items referencing worry. All variables contributed unique explanatory power in the prediction of GAD. CONCLUSION Results provide evidence of the incremental validity of the CAM as a model of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J Llera
- Towson University, Department of Psychology, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252, USA.
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Penn State University, Department of Psychology, 371 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Kim H, Newman MG. Worry and rumination enhance a positive emotional contrast based on the framework of the Contrast Avoidance Model. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 94:102671. [PMID: 36681058 PMCID: PMC10071830 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) suggests that worry increases negative affect and decreases positive affect. CAM also suggests that in response to a positive event, higher worry enhances the probability of experiencing greater decreased negative affect and increased positive affect (positive emotional contrasts; PECs). Consequently, worrying may be reinforced by repeated PECs. However, no study has tested whether rumination enhances PECs. Also, emotional specificity in these processes has not been considered. Therefore, we tested whether both rumination and worry enhanced PECs related to specific emotions. After resting baseline, participants with pure generalized anxiety disorder (GAD group, n = 91), pure depression symptoms (depression group, n = 91), and non-GAD and non-depressed healthy controls (HCs, n = 93) engaged with randomly assigned induction tasks (either worry, rumination, or relaxation), and then watched an amusement video. Regardless of group, both worry and rumination increased sadness and fear and decreased amusement more than relaxation from baseline. However, worry increased fear more than rumination, and rumination increased sadness more than worry. Although all inductions led to PECs during the video, worry enhanced fear PECs more than rumination, and rumination enhanced sadnessPECs more than worry. The GAD group who worried experienced the most salient PEC of amusement relative to other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjoo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Michigan, USA.
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