The Experiential Approach Scale: development and preliminary psychometric properties

Abstract

Several measures of experiential avoidance have been developed in investigating how efforts to control unwanted private events may contribute to psychopathology. We sought to extend research on experiential control by developing and examining the psychometric properties of the Experiential Approach Scale (EAS) as a measure reflecting efforts to sustain desired affective states. An exploratory and 2 confirmatory analyses revealed a 2-factor structure comprised of Anxious Clinging and Experience Prolonging subscales. Further structural analyses supported a hierarchical model of experiential control, with experiential approach and experiential avoidance as first-order factors. Both EAS subscales demonstrated high internal reliability and temporal stability as well as sufficient convergent and divergent validity. Only Anxious Clinging was positively associated with measures of psychological distress and psychopathology and inversely related to subjective happiness and satisfaction with life. Suggestions for further research in the development of the EAS and its possible use in investigating experiential approach are discussed.