Latent structure, measurement invariance, and further validation of an Arabic version of the brief experiential avoidance questionnaire

Abstract

Experiential avoidance (EA) is a key construct in psychopathology research and practice. Thus, various measures were constructed to assess it, including the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). Nevertheless, an Arabic version of the BEAQ has yet to be available, a demand that this study was conducted to fulfill. An Arabic version (BEAQ-A) was developed and tested psychometrically using data from 599 Saudi participants who completed the measures online (Mage = 28.93, ± 8.35, 65.9 % women). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses uncovered a 14-item hierarchical structure that comprised one second-order factor and three first-order factors: Perceived Avoidance (PA; 10 items), Procrastination (Proc.; 2 items), and Repression/Denial (RD; 2 items). Utilizing further data from a second sample that completed a paper and pencil (PP) version (N=324, Mage = 22.09, ± 3.92, 56.2 % women), this structure appeared to be partially invariant across modes of administration and gender. The Proc. and R/D loaded significantly, along with psychological distress and negative affectivity items, on the same factor in an EFA, thereby undermining their discriminant validity. All subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability. The R/D and BEAQ-A total scores were unique predictors of psychological inflexibility and negative affect. In contrast, depressive and anxiety symptoms, positive affect, and well-being were predicted by Proc. and R/D. In general, findings supported the psychometric suitability of BEAQ-A. However, further research is warranted to replicate findings in larger samples and examine the measure's clinical utility.